Useful Dementia Communication Strategies

10 Tips For Best Communication With People Who Have Dementia

Always approach the person from the front – this allows the person with dementia to make use of all their senses
Position yourself at their eye level – by this gesture you indirectly show the person respect
Wait until the person looks up before talking – this allows the person the time needed to tune into you and to be ready to receive information from you
Lean towards the person when communicating – this builds trust and shows the person you are 100% there for them
Listen for the feelings and the needs behind the words – the person with dementia communicates at a deeper, symbolic and emotional level
Ask who? what? where? when? how? questions – these are all questions which help to validate the person’s experiences and thoughts
Never ask why? – this question is too abstract and will often make the person anxious, agitated, or maybe even angry
Avoid words such as: should, must, ought to, don’t and no – these words all belong to the language of the ‘parent’ talking down to the ‘child’ and will most likely create an angry, aggressive reaction
Never ask: do you remember? – it is amazing how much the person with dementia forgets when we ask: do you remember!
Repeat their key word if you don’t understand – simply repeat the key word with an upward, questioning inflection

Come with a sense of humour
Have realistic expectations
Tell him/her who you are. "Hello Dad, I'm Sue" rather than "Do you know who I am?"