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EDUCATE, LEARN & GROW

How to Talk to Someone with Dementia

  • Writer: Senior Support Services
    Senior Support Services
  • Jan 28, 2019
  • 2 min read

Communication is such an important aspect of our lives. Knowing how to communicate best can help you and your loved one understand each other better.


1) Eye contact

o If your loved one is in a bed, a wheelchair or on the couch, make sure you get down to their level so that you are at their line of sight.


2) Limit any other distractions

o Ensure there is enough lighting in the room.

o Limit any background noises (TV, radio, ect).

o Aim for quiet and intimate interactions with fewer people.


3) Get their attention

o Call your loved one by name.

o Approach them gently from the front.

o Introduce yourself if required.


4) Speak slowly and clearly and repeat if needed

o Articulate your words.

o Allow a significant amount of time for your loved one to process what you’ve said.

o Emphasize the word that is the most important.


5) Use familiar vocabulary

o Use language that is familiar to your loved one.


6) Limit open-ended questions

o Try to create questions so that your loved one can answer “yes” or “no”.

o Or offer limited options to your question.


7) Pay close attention

o Observe how your loved one is responding to your words.

o Do they understand the information that is being said?

o What is their body language and facial expression telling you?

o What energy are they giving off?


8) One instruction at a time

o Break down information into simpler, smaller steps.

o Small tasks, rather than one big task is better.


9) Do not quiz

o Your loved one’s ability to make sense of things and use logic is affected by the disease.

o Quizzing may result in your loved one feeling anxious, uncomfortable, embarrassed and overwhelmed.


10) Avoid arguing

o Dementia often impairs your loved one’s ability to reason, therefore it is unfair to argue.

o It is often draining for both you and your loved one.

o It can create undesirable frustration and strong emotional reactions.


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