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Improve Communication with Someone Suffering from Dementia

Have you recently experienced strained interactions between yourself and someone living with dementia? You are not alone. The opportunity for frustration, miscommunication, and confusion magnifies when this disease is introduced to what was once a very communicative relationship. Continue reading our blog as we discuss tips and strategies to improve communication with someone suffering from dementia.

What Does Dementia Feel Like?

Understanding what your loved one is going through is the first step toward better communication. Oftentimes, the symptoms creep up slowly and then eventually become all-consuming. Someone suffering from this disease may first start to lose their sense of awareness without presenting any type of confusion. Their understanding of what once was familiar may start to become challenged while they still have a sense of calmness, as they don’t see their comprehension changing. Instead, they see those around them causing an unnecessary fuss. In time, confusion will begin to set in. Your loved one may misplace their items and assume they have been stolen, they may mix up days and time and even mix up their words. In later stages of dementia, familiar tasks or objects can lose their meaning which can cause sadness or anger. Unfortunately, there is not a cure for dementia, but there are ways you can support your loved one who is suffering from it.

Supporting Someone with Dementia

Not only is dementia difficult for those experiencing it, but it’s also challenging for those supporting someone living with it. Here are a few tips and strategies you can implement to improve communication.

• Learn to interpret: If your loved one is struggling to put together an idea, try to grasp the concept and make an educated guess. This can ease the stress your loved one is feeling and help them communicate their thoughts.  
• Be physically connected: Try holding hands while talking or putting your hand on their arm. Any type of additional connection outside of eye contact will make your loved one feel supported.
• Keep it simple: Short sentences are key. Try taking out any unnecessary details and only asking questions that require yes-or-no answers.
• Take breaks: It’s normal for you to get frustrated at times. If you’re trying to have a conversation with your loved one and it’s going in circles, take a break and come back to that conversation later.  
• Implement visual cues: Instead of telling them to do an action with words alone, use visuals and gestures, too. If you’re looking for them to brush their teeth, bring them to the bathroom, hand them their toothbrush, and gesture brushing teeth to get the activity going. Your loved one will be able to better understand your request when they have both a visual and verbal cue.
• Be patient: Sometimes you may get frustrated as your loved one’s memory continues to worsen. Remember to take deep breaths and stay calm. Simple daily activities will take longer than anticipated, so plan for this to reduce your own frustration. 

By implementing these tips and strategies, you may find communication with your loved one is more effective. Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia, which is why it’s important to remember this disease will most likely evolve as more time goes on. The best thing you can do is spend time with them, adjust your communication styles as necessary, and most of all, love them.

Triniti Home Health + Hospice

Are you looking for additional support as your loved one reaches the end of life? Our team is here to support you. Contact the professionals at Triniti Home Health + Hospice today.