Communicating with someone with dementia Part 2

Speak clearly and calmly.

Speak at a slightly slower pace and allow time between sentences for the person to process the information and respond. This might seem like an uncomfortable pause to you, but it is important for helping the person to communicate.

Avoid speaking sharply or raising your voice.

Use short, simple sentences.

Try to communicate with the person in a conversational way, not question after question (it can feel like an interrogation).

Don't talk about the person as if they are not there or talk to them as you would to a young child – be patient and have respect for them.

Try to laugh together about misunderstandings and mistakes – it can help. Humor can help to bring you closer together and may relieve the pressure. However, be sensitive to the person and don't laugh at them.

Include the person in conversations with others. This may be easier if you adapt what you say slightly. Being included can help a person with dementia to keep their sense of identity and feel they are valued. It can also help to reduce feelings of exclusion and isolation.

Try to avoid asking too many questions, or complicated questions. People with dementia can become frustrated or withdrawn if they can't find the answer.

Try to stick to one idea at a time. Giving someone a choice is important, but too many options can be confusing and frustrating.

If the person is finding it hard to understand, consider breaking down what you're saying into smaller chunks so that it is more manageable.

Ask questions one at a time, and phrase them in a way that allows for a 'yes' or 'no' answer (eg rather than asking someone what they would like to do, ask if they would like to go for a walk) or in a way that gives the person a choice (eg 'would you like tea or coffee?').

Rephrase rather than repeat, if the person doesn't understand what you're saying. Use non-verbal communication to help (eg pointing at a picture of someone you are talking about).

If the person becomes tired easily, it may be better to opt for short, regular conversations.

As dementia progresses, the person may become confused about what is true and not true. If the person says something you know is not true, try to find ways of steering the conversation around the subject and look for the meaning behind what they are saying, rather than contradicting them directly. For example, if they are saying they need to go to work is it because they want to feel useful, or find a way of being involved and contributing? Could it be that they are not stimulated enough?