Communicating ‘beyond words’

It can be hard to communicate with a loved one who is living with dementia. They may be confused, or act in unexpected ways. How can you stay connected at those times when words are not enough?

Bupa has launched the Talking Toolkit, which contains guidance and practical tips from Bupa dementia care experts helping people to engage and connect with those living with dementia.

The Toolkit launched in conjunction with the start of Dementia Awareness Week and will help relatives and friends of people living with dementia maintain meaningful connections as their loved one’s condition progresses.

Professor Graham Stokes, director of dementia care at Bupa Care Services believes it is important to combat the stigma associated with dementia.

“People are fearful of trying to communicate with those living with dementia as they don’t know what to say, or how to respond to what might be perceived as unusual behaviour,” Professor Stokes said.

“Communicating with someone with dementia can present challenges especially as the condition develops, but maintaining meaningful communication is one of the most important ways people can support those with dementia. Our Toolkit identifies some specific ways to help and encourage people to do this.”

Glenn Rees, Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive, believes Bupa’s Toolkit will help people to make meaningful connections with those living with dementia.

“Dementia can change people’s ability to remember, to comprehend new information and to interact with others. But it doesn’t make these things impossible, and with the right approach, friends and family can maintain a very close and mutually rewarding relationship with their loved one with dementia for as long as possible,” he says.

The Talking Toolkit advice includes:

• Try not to ask open questions, as this can be confusing for someone with dementia. All questions should have a direct ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, or lead them to the answer. For example, instead of asking “what would you like for lunch”, ask “Would you like a cheese sandwich?”

• Where possible, keep statements brief. Remember that the person may lose the thread of the conversation if you talk for too long and this can lead to irritation and frustration for both you and the person with dementia.

• Try not to contradict the person with dementia as this could increase their anxiety. Remember that at that moment, what they are saying is what they know to be true.

• If the person with dementia is no longer able to communicate with you by talking, your physical presence may be enough to reassure them or put them at ease.

Access the online version of The Talking Toolkit.