How to Talk to a Parent with Dementia

Communicating with a parent living with dementia can be challenging at times. People living with dementia tend to suffer a progressive brain disorder that makes it hard for them to communicate with others, remember things, or think clearly. In many cases, most parents are usually vulnerable to dementia. When they are growing old, some people start to experience memory loss and confusion, along with other dementia symptoms. Therefore, how to talk to a parent with dementia effectively becomes a challenge. By understanding the condition better and learning strategies to care for your loved one, you can communicate with them well in person and by phone.

Learning How to Talk to a Parent with Dementia

Nobody was born knowing how to communicate with people with dementia, but anyone can learn. There are various skills that can help improve your communication skills, as well as boost your ability to handle patients suffering from dementia. Check them out below.

Get the Individual’s Attention

Eliminate as many distractions and noise as possible. For example, turn off the radio or move to a quieter place. Before you start talking to them, ensure you say their name. Then introduce and identify yourself by your name and state your relationship with them. By doing these steps, you’ll be able to grab their attention. Use nonverbal clues while talking to them and maintain eye contact to keep them focused on the conversation too.

Jane Byrne from FirstCare points out that one of the biggest issues in healthcare is dementia. She says, “Rising numbers of cases, couples with demographic changes such as a rapidly ageing population, are making dementia one of the major health problems of our times.”

Ask Simple Questions

When it comes to how to talk to a parent with dementia well, the next tip is to make sure that any questions you ask them are answerable ones. Avoid asking open-ended questions or a question with too many choices too.

Those questions with yes or no answers work out great. For example, “Are you happy with the care you’re receiving?” While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important that they feel comfortable in their living situation.

Also, use visual prompts and clues to clarify your question. Feel free to guide them on how to respond but don’t answer in their place or talk over them as those actions are disrespectful.

Make Your Message Clear

Use simple and clear words when practicing how to talk to a parent with dementia. Speak slowly, calmly, and in a reassuring tone. Also avoid raising your voice. If the parent does not understand the first time, again repeat the same message in the same steady tone.

If your parent is still not able to understand what you’re saying, try to rephrase your question rather than losing your patience. Be specific in your wording and use the names of people or places, rather than pronouns.

Keep a Sense of Humor

Furthermore, your conversations don’t have to be sad moments. Try to use humor as much as possible. Humor makes communication interesting and more engaging. People with dementia may be a little more difficult to reach sometimes but your persistence will be much appreciated, and rewarded.

Be Patient

Sometimes, a parent might take longer to respond to your question than they did before. That doesn’t mean you hurry them on. If they are stumbling for words, instead you can try to speak out on their behalf. Don’t allow yourself to be frustrated. Instead, relax and smile as you await them to finish what they are saying. They deserve that patience and love.