Adapting Communication Styles for Those with Dementia

Dementia is a progressive illness that affects each person differently. However, one common challenge is the gradual decline in short and long-term memory. As dementia progresses, it can make it difficult for those living with the condition to recall information, find words, follow conversations, and express thoughts and feelings clearly. This can understandably lead to frustration and confusion, which is why learning how to adapt communication styles is incredibly important and is something we always take into consideration across our various dementia care homes in Plymouth.

Whether you would like to learn for yourself or to help someone close to you, there are lots of things to consider. From using simple language and reassuring gestures to trying tools like visual aids, here is our guide to adapting communication styles for those with dementia.

Verbal Communication

Kindness, compassion, respect and patience have a huge role to play in all our day-to-day conversations. When someone is feeling confused, scared or isolated, they are even more important. To help, there are some verbal techniques that you can incorporate to make good communication happier, safer and easier for everyone. Here are some top tips that may help:

Speak clearly and slowly when adapting communication styles for those with dementia and use simple, clear language. This includes sticking to shorter sentences and avoiding asking complex questions or giving too much information at once. You can also gently repeat and rephrase if that helps – remembering never to get frustrated if responses are a struggle or slow.
Give plenty of response time and don’t rush answers. No one likes to feel pressured or stressed when trying to recall details or get a point across, and this can be even more challenging for those living with dementia. Encourage participation in conversations wherever possible, but don’t rush the process.
“Yes” or “no” questions offer a great way of adapting communication styles. Open-ended or loaded questions can often be overwhelming, so instead try cutting back the extra information. For example, instead of “what would you like to drink?”, ask “would you like water or juice?”. Or instead of asking, “do you want to go outside or stay in and watch TV?”, simply ask, “would you like to go outside?”
As with basic conversational etiquette, interrupting is never a kind thing to do. When adapting communication styles for those with dementia, make sure to avoid interrupting, even if you think you know the answer or understand what they’re trying to say. This also includes letting those with dementia speak for themselves when discussing how they feel or what their needs are.
Validate emotions, instead of trying to dismiss them. Dementia diagnosis and the subsequent effects pose a challenging time, so rather than correcting or dismissing confusion or distress, show acceptance. Acknowledging emotions and offering comfort, even if you can’t always empathise, allows the people you care about to feel heard and supported

Non-Verbal Communication

As we all know, communication isn’t limited to just words. Gestures, facial expressions, and body movements can convey so much meaning, and sometimes can be really powerful tools in helping someone to feel loved and supported. For someone with dementia, non-verbal communication becomes especially important. Here are some things to consider:

When adapting communication styles for those with dementia, positive body language is key. Smiling, friendly posture, and open, relaxed gestures can create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. What’s more, you should always face who you’re speaking to, as this reinforces your focus on them and makes it easier for them to read your facial expressions too.
People with dementia are often particularly in tune with and sensitive to the moods of those around them, so your non-verbal communication can help set a calm tone. Use a positive and friendly tone of voice to encourage a sense of ease. Both your tone of voice and the volume at which you speak often communicates more than actual words and can greatly affect how your message is received. Speak calmly and with love.
Make eye contact and make sure to always give your full attention. Stopping what else you’re doing and engaging with your loved one reinforces that you are genuinely interested and care. To help focus and create a calm atmosphere, you can also minimise other distractions like background noise from loud TVs or radios – just remember to check if that’s okay first.
If you are considering ways of adapting communication styles for those with dementia, then how you position yourself can be really important. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid overwhelming and also mirror stances. For example, if they are sitting down, join them at their same level to create a comfortable environment. Equally, if your loved one would feel more comfortable walking and talking, then join them.
Offering gentle physical contact, like a pat on the hand or even hand holding, is a great way of adapting non-verbal communication styles for those with dementia to provide reassurance. Just be mindful of body language and make sure that you’re aware of what’s appropriate and comfortable for them individually.

Other Ways of Adapting Communication Styles

Encouraging someone you care about who is living with dementia to express themself in a way that is best for them is vital. Equally, as communication is a two-way street, it’s really important as a caregiver and friend to be able to develop stronger listening and analytical skills. Make sure you always channel patience and empathy, and look for different ways to foster meaningful connections as communication needs evolve.

To help develop this, you can also try incorporating sensory and visual aids, as well as certain activities and games. These can include:

Colour Coding and Labelling
Familiar Objects and Photographs
Music and Sounds
Art and Crafts
Sensory Activities

Wisteria Care Home

If you would like to find out about more care and support, at Wisteria Care Home we specialise in quality of life for those living with dementia. Rated CQC Outstanding, we provide a welcoming, comfortable home and provide safety and support every step of the way.