Five Easy Ways to Communicate with Someone with Dementia

As Dementia progresses the part of the brain which deals with speech and understanding starts to become affected.  It  becomes increasingly difficult for the person with Dementia to make sense of the world around them.  The ability to process information decreases, concentration reduced and they become unable to recognise what is being said to them or to articulate what they want.  It's all too easy for carers to become frustrated and angry when their loved one seems to have difficulty with even simple communication.  Here are five easy ways to ensure that communication with someone with Dementia is not a continuing battle.


1. Ensure that any physical obstacles to good communication are addressed. Does the person with dementia have sight or hearing difficulties?  if so, get a medical examination and ensure that they have the right aids to ensure good communication.

2. Listen to your tone of voice. Research has shown that even in the latest stages of dementia, people can recognise frustration and anger in the voice.  If they are already feeling frustrated and upset a nagging or angry voice is not going to help.  Don't patronise or talk down  to them as if they were children. Stay calm, constantly reassure and praise when they have achieved something.

3. Speak slowly and clearly using good eye contact.  Use short uncomplicated sentences. Get the person's attention first by saying his or her name first e.g  "Janet...(pause).... can you put the plate on the table?"   Be specific in what you want, keep it simple and do not offer too many choices.

4. Show pictures or objects to indicate what you mean.  For example you may say "We are going to Tescos" and indicate to a plastic Tesco carrier bag.  Or you can say "do you want Ham or Cheese?" showing a packet of ham and a packet of cheese.  You can also mime words - imagine how you would try to make yourself understood in a foreign country - there are gestures for telephone, bill, scissors, money and many others. You can be creative here!  

5. Don't ask lots of questions which require memory to answer or press them for answers if you can see them getting worried or confused.  Instead of asking "would you like a cup of tea?" you could say "I am going to have a cup of tea - can I make one for you?"  Questions that require a simple "yes" or "no" answer are easier to deal with than questions where they need to think about the answer.

Remember too that communication with someone with dementia is not necessarily about getting the words right and having the right understanding, but it is about showing care, concern, compassion and love as well.
For more information on SureCare go to http://www.surecarewarks.co.uk/