5 communication tips for conversations with people living with dementia

Communication keeps us all connected. As a person living with dementia loses the ability to speak, it’s critical to find ways to have meaningful conversations. Here are 5 tips that will help.

1. Use what you know about them. Pick topics of conversation they’re interested in or already good at. Talk about what they can do, instead of what they can’t. Give them options they’ll enjoy.
2. Reduce distractions. Have your conversations in calm, quiet environments. Listen and keep them focused with steady eye contact.
3. Talk face to face. Stay in their line of sight. Keep your sentences short and simple. Use gestures, facial expressions and body language to strengthen your communication.
4. Be flexible. Their ability to carry on a conversation will change daily. Assess how they’re feeling before you begin and adjust accordingly.
5. Stay positive. Remember that how you feel will be communicated in your tone and body language. Take a breather when you need to.

For more tips and examples, visit alzheimer.ca/Communication