SUpporting People Living With Early/Mild Stage Dementia
At the Tucson J, we value inclusivity and strive to maintain a welcoming space for all, including Tucson’s aging community and people with dementia. Being part of the J community, you may meet individuals with dementia in the halls, in a group fitness class, or in other programming. About 10% of adults aged 65 and older live with dementia, so there’s a good chance you know someone–or even have a close friend or family member–who could benefit from extra kindness and understanding as they navigate the symptoms of this common condition.
This tip sheet offers guidance to help you communicate with people with dementia and foster a dementia-friendly environment for our community, and in your life outside the J, too!
OVERALL COMMUNICATION TIPS:
- Speak at a slower pace than normal and use simpler sentences
- Maintain eye contact when speaking.
- Be patient and allow time for them to respond.
- Do not interrupt them, even to help them find a word – as it can break the pattern of communication.
- Make sure your body language is open and relaxed.
- Actively listen to the person’s words.
- Avoid arguing or correcting.
- Validate their feelings and emotions.
- “That does sound tough, I am sorry to hear that.”
- “I hope you start to feel better.”
- “That sounds very interesting, thank you for sharing!”
- Avoid questions that require short-term memory recall.
- Do not ask questions about what they had for breakfast or did earlier that day or week.
- Stick to questions that use long-term memory like their favorite music, family members, if they like hot weather or cold weather, etc.
- Give a person choices instead of asking an open-ended question
HOW CAN I MAKE THE PERSON FEEL WELCOME?
- Speak in-front of the person, face-to-face
- Keep a positive and friendly attitude
- Keep an empathetic mindset-try to imagine yourself in their shoes
- Be patient
- Smile
WHAT IF I HAVE SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA IN MY CLASS OR PROGRAM?
- Pay attention to how the person communicates with yourself/others
- Pay attention to how the person moves
- Consider that the person may have trouble with balance
- Consider how the person may follow instruction
WHAT IF THE PERSON BEGINS TO FEEL AGITATED?
- Stay calm and collected
- Do not raise your voice
- Listen to the person’s concerns/feelings
- Offer alternative activities.
EASY CONVERSATION STARTERS:
- “Hello (try to use their name)! Good to see you (this morning, afternoon, evening). I am doing good today, (explain your day to them).”
- “What kind of music do you like to listen to?”
- “What do you like to do for fun?”
- “What would you like to do today?”
- It is important to explain how you are doing/how your day is going instead of asking the person with dementia because short-term memory recall is difficult.
CONVERSATION REDIRECTION TIPS:
- “That is so awesome, thank you for telling me about that, but I do need to head to my class.”
- “I have really enjoyed talking with you today, but I do need to head to the locker rooms.”
- “Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I do need to meet with my trainer, but I will talk with you again later.”
