Communication
Sensory challenges can make communication even more difficult for people living with dementia. This can be frustrating for them and the people around them. Difficulties with hearing and vision can create distinctive needs which affects the way in which they communicate with other people. It is important to learn the best practices for communicating with people who live with dementia and sensory challenges in order to ensure they can still remain an active part of communities and enjoy social situations. Dementia Diaries is a UK-wide project that brings together people's diverse experiences with dementia as a series of audio diaries. This is a great example of how technology can help people with dementia to communicate with society.
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A study of the general public found that nearly 1 in 5 (22%) of participants agreed they 'would find it hard to talk to someone who has dementia.'
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A UV Gov study of the general public found that 2 in 5 (40%) of participants said they 'wouldn't feel confident about communicating with someone with dementia.'
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A study of people with dementia found that around 1 in 4 of participants feel they are not part of their community (27%) and feel that people avoid them (23%)
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Studies have found that some members of the public find communication with people with dementia difficult. This may be due to stigma or the perception of people with dementia. A raised awareness of methods of communication could help with this issue. The 5 tips below have been taken from guidance for supporting people with dementia outlined by Hammond Care. You can read the full guidance by following this link.
The 5 S's
Communicating with someone with dementia can be challenging. There are Five S’s to remember that may make your conversation with an older person easier:
Slow - Slow down your rate of speech and wait for the person to respond (this can sometimes take a while).
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Simple - Keep what you say simple - one idea at a time, using short sentences.
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Specific - Talk about specific people, objects or events they may remember. Use names (John, Mary) instead of pronouns (he, she).
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Show - Use gestures, point to items, use visual examples such as photographs, or show choices...if you are saying “would you like to wear the blue cardigan?”, show the cardigan.
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Smile - Facial expressions can be understood long after verbal language is lost. Send a message with a smile!
Approaching People with Dementia
For people with visual challenges, such as narrowed peripheral vision it is important not to approach people from behind as this can be startling. Position yourself in their line of view and try to stay at the same level as them, rather than standing over them.
If recognition of people or faces is an issue, it is best practice to calmly reassure them by telling them your name and why you are speaking to them. Keep in mind that memory is not always an issue for everyone with dementia, particularly in the early stages of certain types of dementia, such as posterior cortical atrophy. Therefore, reminding people of who you are may not be necessary.
Communication and Language
Some people with dementia may have issues with language, particularly with certain types of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia (formerly Pick's disease). For people with frontotemporal dementia, difficulties with language may be an early symptom. People with dementia may experience difficulty with finding words, grammar or comprehension of sentences. Body language and tone of voice is also important; someone may have difficulty with the meaning of words, yet pick up on facial expressions and mood. For people who have challenges with vision or hearing, communication and language may be even more difficult. This can affect both spoken and written communication. Awareness of these challenges and patience is key.
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Communication and Sensory Challenges
Tips for communicating with people who live with sensory challenges and dementia
Visual Challenges and Sight-Loss​​
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Make use of the physical environment, including ample lighting
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Position yourself within the person's field of vision
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Keep in mind that visual cues such as body language or facial expression may not be seen or perceived
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For written communication consider colour contrast, typeface and text size
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When guiding someone into a room, tell them about the people present and the environment
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Use references to describe where something is, such as 'it is in front of you at the 12 o'clock position'
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If glasses are used, ensure they are clean, current and correct
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Auditory Challenges and Hearing-Loss
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Reducing background noise such as the television or radio when speaking
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Use visual cues such as referencing a photograph
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Keep eye contact, and ensure tone of voice relaxed
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If hearing aids are used, make sure it is fitted and working correctly
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Ask the person if they would like to lip-read and do not cover your mouth
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Do not shout or over-exaggerate words
Further resources
Communicating with someone with sensory impairment - Alzheimer's Society
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Communicating with someone with dementia - NHS
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Tips for supporting people with dementia - Hammond Care
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