When caring for someone living with dementia, effective communication is essential. As dementia progresses, a person’s ability to communicate in the ways they’re used to starts to decline. So, communication strategies for dementia aren’t just about the words you use, but a range of non-verbal cues and creating meaningful connections with your loved one. This can make a world of difference in daily life, having a range of emotional and practical benefits for both you and your family members.
We take you through the communication challenges that may arise following a dementia diagnosis, as well as some practical tips for support partners.
Understanding dementia and communication challenges
Everybody experiences dementia differently, but common symptoms like memory loss, difficulty finding words and confusion can make it difficult to communicate over time. It’s not just the difficulty communicating that has an impact, but the feelings of isolation, frustration and confusion that come with it. When caring for someone with dementia, it’s important to remember that these changes in communication capability are new territory for your loved one, too. They’ve communicated through speech and other forms for their whole lives, and now it has become more difficult. Understanding these challenges and learning as much as you can about dementia-friendly communication can help you adapt your communication style.
Here are some tips for dementia-friendly communication.
Create a calm and welcoming environment
Environment is a big part of daily life for a person living with dementia, and it can significantly impact their ability to communicate effectively. One of the ways to make an environment more communication-friendly is to limit the amount of background noise and other distractions as this allows for better concentration. Secondly, maintaining a familiar environment is crucial. Familiarity provides a sense of security for a person with dementia, making them more relaxed and at ease. Whenever it’s possible, always choose a quiet, comfortable spot with no distractions, especially for more important discussions.
When it’s time to consider permanent care, GHA provides dementia-friendly, home-like environments.
Use simple, clear language
When it comes to communication strategies for dementia, it’s important to be as clear as possible. It can help to use short sentences, straightforward language and avoid complicated words or phrases. You may also need to adjust the speed at which you speak, giving your loved one a little more time to process each word.
Also, rather than providing multiple instructions at once, break things down into smaller, more manageable steps. This can reduce the risk of misunderstanding and allows for better focus on each step.
Remember non-verbal cues
It’s important to remember that while a person’s speech or ability to find the right words may be affected, they may still be able to use and understand non-verbal cues. These cues can include tone, body language, and facial expressions. Speaking in a warm, calm tone while sitting in a relaxed posture can help your loved one feel secure, allowing them to focus more clearly on the discussion at hand.
You can also show that you’re engaged by making eye contact, or even using a gentle touch on the arm to provide reassurance. These non-verbal cues and responses can be vital in maintaining effective communication as a person’s speech capability declines.
Active listening and giving time to respond
Active listening is an art that doesn’t necessarily come easy, but it’s very beneficial for communication with someone living with dementia. Basically, it’s about fully focusing on what your loved one is saying, even if it takes a little longer. By showing patience and avoiding interruptions, your loved one doesn’t feel rushed, and they know they can be heard in a supportive, comfortable environment.
Avoid correcting
As dementia progresses, it’s not uncommon for someone to get names, dates, or details confused. When this occurs, it’s always best to avoid correcting or contradicting what they’re saying. Not only can this cause frustration, but it can also embarrass the person or make them feel less like sharing their thoughts in the future. Communication should always be encouraged, even if it seems challenging or difficult to interpret what a person is trying to say. You may need to use some gentle redirection from time to time, but ultimately, supporting someone with dementia is about allowing them to live and express themselves freely in line with their capabilities.
Do you need support with communication strategies for dementia?
At Group Homes Australia, we understand that communication can often be challenging for people living with dementia and their families. We offer a wide variety of support services and resources, not to mention this article that gives you plenty of great tips for communicating more easily. We also offer flexible respite services and permanent care in warm, home-like environments. Our care model is all about treating people with dignity and respect while providing all the support necessary. To find out more, please contact our team today.
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