Methods for Communicating with Someone with Dementia

Communicating with a loved one with dementia can be frustrating and difficult. But, then again, think about how they are feeling! They, too, are frustrated and that’s why it’s important to have several methods for effective communication under your belt if your loved one has dementia. Keep in mind that even though the disease ravages the mind, the person you know is still in there.

• Talk with them in a place and at a time when there are very few (if any) distractions. This way, your loved one can completely focus their energy on your conversation.
  
• Be very patient. Extra time is needed when talking with someone with dementia. They need time for processing what you said, and what they are going to say. Becoming frustrated will only counter effective communication.
  
• Remember that some days are good, and some, not so good. Someone with dementia will continue to have more and more not so good days, but some days they will be more effective at communicating than others.
  
• When you speak, make sure you’re calm and completely coherent. Be respectful, natural, and just loud enough for them to hear you.
  
• Refrain from using pronouns like “he" and “she.” Say your name and your loved ones name whenever possible. When you talk about other people, refer to them by name instead of “they,” etc. Pronouns can be confusing.
  
• Keep the conversation limited to one topic at a time. Talking about more than one item can also be confusing for someone with dementia.
  
• Listen closely to your loved one. If you don’t understand what they are saying to you, let them know so they can repeat it.
  
• Don’t correct every incorrect statement they make. Correcting your loved one constantly will only serve to frustrate the both of you.

Always Best Care Senior Services provides in-home care in the Greater Cleveland area, as well as other locations throughout the country. If you are looking for quality, patient in-home care or Dementia Care in Lorain County, contact ABC at (440) 791-7177 or email them at jbecthold@abc-seniors.com today for a free consultation.