Communicating with a person living with dementia this Easter

Whilst Easter is a happy time for most, holiday celebrations and family get-togethers can be a very stressful time for people living with dementia.  With that in mind, Dementia Australia has compiled some advice to help better communicate with a loved one living with dementia to improve their comfort and reduce their stress. 

What to try:

Caring attitude
People retain their feelings and emotions even though they may not understand what is being said, so it is important to always maintain their dignity and self-esteem. Be flexible and always allow plenty of time for a response. Where appropriate, use touch to keep the person’s attention and to communicate feelings of warmth and affection.

Ways of talking

• Remain calm and talk in a gentle, matter of fact way
• Keep sentences short and simple, focusing on one idea at a time
• Always allow plenty of time for what you have said to be understood
• It can be helpful to use orienting names whenever you can, such as “Your son Jack”

Body Language

You may need to use hand gestures and facial expressions to make yourself understood. Pointing or demonstrating can help. Touching and holding their hand may help keep their attention and show that you care. A warm smile and shared laughter can often communicate more than words can.

The right environment

• Try to avoid competing noises such as TV or radio
• If you stay still while talking you will be easier to follow, especially if you stay in the person’s line of vision
• Maintain regular routines to help minimise confusion and assist communication
• It is much less confusing if everyone uses the same approach. Repeating the message in exactly the same way is important for all the family and carers

Where possible, try to avoid:

• Arguing or ordering the person around
• Telling someone what they can’t do. Instead suggest what the person can do
• A condescending tone. A condescending tone of voice can be picked up, even if the words are not understood
• Asking a lot of direct questions that rely on a good memory
• Talking about people in front of them as if they are not there

Keep in mind that when cognitive abilities such as the ability to reason and think logically deteriorate, the person with dementia is likely to communicate at a feeling level. Each person with dementia is unique and difficulties in communicating thoughts and feelings are very individual.

If you would like to learn more about effectively communicating with a person living with dementia why not become a Dementia Friend?

Dementia Australia’s Dementia Friends program aims to transform the way our nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia.

A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia through increased awareness and support.

For more information about becoming a Dementia Friend, please visit dementiafriendly.org.au

Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 447,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia. Dementia Australia’s services are supported by the Australian Government.

National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (interpreter service available)