Dementia Communication Tips
Welcome to Speech Solutions of Athens! We are a private practice located in Athens, GA providing holistic, individualized speech, cognitive, and swallowing services for adults with neurological changes. Our services also include one on one dementia care to support connection, communication, and quality of life.
Dementia is a progressive neurological disease that impacts around 55 million people worldwide. This number is projected to grow significantly due to aging populations, with experts expecting it to reach 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Speech Solutions aims to fight the stigma surrounding this disease by improving the quality of life for people living with dementia and their loved ones.
We hope the strategies below will be helpful when engaging with someone with memory loss. Some of these tips may need to be modified depending on the context, and people may respond differently.
Gain the person’s attention: Make sure you have your loved one’s attention prior to speaking to them by saying their name. They may be distracted or not realize that you are speaking to them. Getting their attention is crucial to set up successful communication.
Get face to face and eye level: Always face the person when speaking, and make eye contact. This helps them focus and signals that you are engaging with them directly.
Speak slowly and clearly: Speaking in short, simple sentences and at a slower rate allows for time to process and respond. When giving directions, provide one step direction and allow for processing time before giving another direction.
Use non-verbal communication: Gestures, facial expressions, and body language can help reinforce the meaning of your words. Pointing to objects or demonstrating actions can aid understanding for your loved one.
Simplify choices: Instead of asking “what would you like to drink?” offer choices like “would you like water or tea?” Providing options reduces confusion and allows for autonomy.
Introduce yourself when speaking and use names when speaking of others: For example, telling your loved one your name when you first see them or call them on the phone can reduce any frustration or anxiety in figuring out who you are. When referring to people or places, use their names instead of pronouns. For example, say "Your daughter, Sarah," rather than "she," to help the person stay oriented.
Don’t say “remember?”: Instead of correcting your loved one when they forget details, gently remind them in a positive tone to support the flow of communication. Constantly saying ‘remember’ can lead to increased frustration and feeling discouraged
Limit distractions: Try to communicate in a quiet, calm environment. Minimize background noise, such as the TV or radio, to make it easier for the person to concentrate.
Be patient and allow for extra time: Give the person extra time to process what you’ve said and to respond. People with dementia can take anywhere from 10-30 seconds (or longer) to processing information. Avoid rushing them, as this can cause frustration or confusion.
Stay positive and reassuring: Maintain a calm, positive tone and offer reassurance, even if the conversation becomes confusing. A gentle approach can ease anxiety and promote more effective communication. Make sure your facial expressions and body language remain positive.
Below is a link to our dementia wallet communication card. Feel free to download, print, and share with people in your community to provide further awareness and education:
