Neighbor News
5 Tips to Communicate with a Loved One with Dementia
Communicate better with your loved one who has dementia. At Home Personal Care can provide more tips: (703) 330-2323
One of the hardest things about walking the path with a loved one who has dementia is discovering new ways to communicate love through and around a disease process that is emotionally difficult and disorienting for everyone in the family. Our At Home Personal Care dementia care team can provide many personalized tips for your family, but here are 5 communication tips you can try today:
1. Be Patient and Speak Normally
Research shows that people with dementia have a hard time understanding slower speech just as much as speech that is too fast. Take a deep breath, be patient and speak simple sentences at a normal cadence—neither to fast, nor too slow.
2. Non-Verbal Communication Works
Sit directly facing your loved one, looking at them directly. Smile a lot and speak with a warm, kind tone of voice. Hold their hands, listen carefully and don’t interrupt them.
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3. Adjust Your Expectations to Avoid Frustration
A loved one undergoing the brain damage of dementia will often do or say socially awkward, inappropriate or even offensive things they never would have said previously. They can’t help themselves, so remain calm and smile, even at these awkward moments and don’t get offended. Accept this as the new normal.
4. Let Them Win the Argument
Learn to be kind instead of being right with your loved one. Arguing with them can increase frustration and aggression. Stay as calm as you can and try to diffuse arguments. Try to make your time together as pleasant and warm as possible. They may not even remember this argument later, but they’ll always remember the feelings they had with you.
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5. Just Love Them
Sometimes words get in the way of showing love to a family member with dementia. Wordless acts of service, kindness and affection will help you connect better with them. Play their favorite music, go for a walk, hold hands, draw pictures and give hugs to bridge the communication gap.
For more tips to communicate with a loved one who has dementia, contact At Home Personal Care today: (703) 330-2323.
