How to help a dementia patient to communicate

Knowing how to communicate with a dementia patient can help to avoid anxious moments and aggressive responses, whilst maintaining calm through what is undoubtedly a stressful time for you and the dementia patient. As the disease progresses, their language recall and speech can be affected, although the level of progression for this is different, depending on the type of disease you have. 

Effective communication strategies for dementia patients

Remember that the patient will be feeling just as frustrated that they are unable to communicate as they once could. So approach situations with a calm manner and if you feel that you are getting annoyed, try leave the room to calm down and then return to start afresh. As the disease progresses, the patient may take longer to respond and may forget more words, so having a good communication strategy in place will help you to prepare.

Face me

As you would with someone who is hard of hearing, make sure you maintain eye contact with the person you are talking with. This shows that you are engaged in a conversation with them and listening to what they have to say. The dementia patient will also be able to see your lips moving and may even find it easier to understand what you have to say. 

Don’t shout

Showing anger can inflame tempers or add to anxiety. The dementia patient is already under pressure, as are you, but they have to adjust to a new and frightening world, where sometimes they cannot remember where they are, or what they are supposed to be doing. Try and think how you would feel if you were in the situation.

Speak clearly

Speaking slowly and clearly can help the patient to understand what it is that you are asking them, or need them to do. Shouting will not make it easier to hear you and sends out the wrong signals.

Encourage them

Even if they have given you the wrong answer, you should encourage them to continue communicating. The last thing you want is for the dementia patient to stop trying to communicate. If they lose their social skills and link with the outside world, it is thought that this can expedite dementia symptoms and the progression of the disease. Let them know that you are there supporting them.

Make it simple

Don’t ask them overly complicated questions, or give them too much choice. If they are finding it too difficult, they may decide to give up. When you are asking a question, use regular everyday words and if required, use some of the picture images or prompts that you have. 

Get them involved

Make sure you include the dementia patient in the conversation. If it is something that they are struggling to add to, why not focus on making the conversation about them. So take some time to talk through a memories’ book or photo album and encourage them to open up. 

Keep it calm

Try and ensure that the dementia patient has access to calm environments. This can be achieved with the furniture and colour schemes in a room. Playing their favourite music may help with communication, or even lift their mood. See more on music therapy and how this may help the dementia patient here.

Other ideas to try

• Going for a walk and getting some exercise, movement can encourage their brains to respond and get the blood pumping

• Trying some yoga to calm their mind and help them to remain the present with mindfulness

• Try different types of foods and smells to encourage conversation

• Carry out an activity like baking or cooking a favourite meal

• Try aromatherapy essential oils such as lavender or lemon