Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Communication Strategies

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Connecting Through Communication: Strategies for Dementia Caregivers

One of the most heartbreaking challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is the breakdown of communication. As the disease progresses, the ways we connect and understand each other must adapt. The key is to shift our approach from expecting our loved one to understand us, to us doing everything we can to understand them. The following practical strategies, shared by dementia care expert Sandy Christos, M.S., CCC-SLP, can help you maintain a meaningful connection.

Verbal Communication Strategies

The words we use and how we say them can make a world of difference. Focus on creating a calm, clear, and simple verbal environment.

  • Use Familiar Words: Stick to simple, familiar language. Newer slang or complex terms can cause confusion and frustration.
  • Speak Slowly and Clearly: Enunciate your words and speak in a calm, gentle tone of voice.
  • Limit Conversation Partners: A room full of people talking at once is overwhelming. Encourage one person to speak at a time and stay on a single topic.
  • Be Close: Don’t try to have a conversation from across the room. Move closer, reduce distractions, and ensure they can see your face.
  • Use Simple, Direct Statements: Instead of asking, “Would you like to get ready for dinner now?” try a more direct, gentle instruction: “It’s time to go to dinner.”
  • Avoid Arguing: A person with dementia may be experiencing a different reality. Arguing about facts will only lead to agitation. Instead, respond to the emotion behind their words and gently redirect the conversation.

Nonverbal Communication Strategies

Often, what you do is more important than what you say. Nonverbal cues are a powerful way to communicate reassurance, safety, and affection.

  • Maintain Eye Contact: Approach your loved one from the front and maintain gentle eye contact to show you are engaged and present.
  • Use a Gentle Touch: A reassuring touch on the hand, arm, or shoulder can communicate warmth and affection when words fail.
  • Pay Attention to Body Language: Be mindful of your own body language. An open, relaxed posture is calming. Also, pay attention to their body language, as it can tell you if they are feeling anxious, happy, or sad.
  • Create a Calm Environment: Reduce noise and distractions. Turn off the television and create a quiet space for your interaction.

When communication becomes increasingly difficult, having a legal plan in place becomes essential. The documents you create while your loved one can still express their wishes are what allow you to protect them later. Proactive planning for Alzheimer’s or dementia ensures that a trusted person has the authority to make decisions, which is the best way to avoid a public and costly guardianship proceeding. This is a critical part of any plan for your family’s future.

Call our office at (919) 256-7000 to schedule a consultation.