By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

Talking with someone who has dementia can be difficult, but it is possible to have meaningful conversations. At Trinity Woods,
we work to be a respectful, safe, and informed community. We strive to support people living with dementia and their families,
reduce stigma, offer helpful options, and adapt our spaces so everyone feels included. Here are some practical ways to have positive, respectful conversations with people living with dementia:

1. APPROACH WITH KINDNESS AND PATIENCE. Be kind and patient and speak in a friendly tone. Smile, make eye contact,
and call them by the name they like. Give them plenty of time to think and reply.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND CLEAR. Speak slowly and use short, clear sentences. Stay away from complicated questions or topics. If needed, repeat what you said using different words, but do not ask them to remember things. Questions like, “Remember me?” or “Remember we used to…?” can be too much for someone with memory problems.

3. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY. Give them your full attention and listen without interrupting. Pay attention to their facial expressions and gestures, as these can show how they feel or what they need.

4. STAY POSITIVE AND RESPECTFUL. Talk about positive things and, if it feels right, share your own good memories. Do not correct or argue about facts. Instead, recognize their feelings and gently guide the conversation if needed.

5. USE VISUAL AND PHYSICAL CUES. Using gestures, pictures, or familiar objects can help you get your message across, but do not expect them to remember. Approach with words first. Use gentle touch only after a connection is made.

6. REDIRECT WITH COMPASSION. Watch their face and body language to see how they are feeling. If they seem anxious,
gently guide them to something calming or interesting. You could ask if they want coffee, a snack, or to sit and talk.

7. FIND SOME HELP. If you cannot help someone who is upset, ask for help. Find someone in charge or another person who
can assist.

Remaining socially connected is vital for people living with dementia and their care partners because it supports quality of life and enhances health and well-being.

By using these tips, you can help make our community more supportive. Treating others the way you would like to be treated is always a good rule to follow when communicating with people living with dementia as well as others in our community. For more tips on communicating with people living with dementia, go to the Alzheimer’s Association website.