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Improving Communication with My Loved One with Dementia
Learn to Converse and Connect In New Ways
Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult in a lot of ways, and communication can be one of the most challenging aspects. It’s important to understand that these struggles are normal. Dementia affects the brain’s ability to process language and memory, making it harder for your loved one to express themselves and understand what’s being said. This can lead to confusion, agitation, and frustration for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. The following are a handful of tips to facilitate better conversation and connection with your loved one.
Make Eye Contact
We all appreciate knowing we have someone’s full attention when they’re talking to us. For someone with dementia, eye contact is essential. It helps ensure they are focused on the conversation and allows them to process what is being said. Always position yourself within their line of sight and maintain intentional eye contact to foster a more meaningful interaction.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can make it hard for someone with dementia to understand what’s being said. Turn off the TV, reduce background noise, and make sure there are no other distractions around you. This will help your loved one focus on the conversation and improve their ability to absorb the information.
Provide Clear Answers
Open-ended questions can be overwhelming for someone with dementia–as the disease progresses, they tend to struggle with processing multiple options. Instead, ask simple yes-or-no questions. For example, instead of asking,
"What would you like to eat for lunch?" try
"Would you like a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch?"
This provides a clear choice and makes it easier for your loved one to respond.
Keep Discussions Short and Simple
People with dementia often find it easier to follow short, clear conversations. Use simple, direct sentences and focus on one topic at a time. This reduces confusion and helps prevent frustration. Keep your messages brief and to the point.
Keep Communicating
As dementia progresses, your loved one may start to isolate themselves due to an increasing difficulty to communicate. The catch is, continued social interaction is essential for them to maintain cognitive function. Try to engage in regular conversations, even if it’s challenging. Socialization and mental stimulation are key to helping your loved one feel connected and supported.
These simple communication tips can bolster connection and help reduce frustration between you and your loved one.
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