Caregiver’s Corner: The Power of Understanding — Connecting Beyond Words in Dementia Care

When caring for a loved one with dementia, one of the most heartbreaking changes can be the loss of language. Communication is at the heart of being human—it’s how we share our feelings, needs, and stories. Dementia can gradually take away the words and expressions that once made conversations easy, leaving both caregivers and loved ones feeling isolated or misunderstood.

But even when words fade, the need to be understood remains. People with dementia still long for connection, comfort, and recognition. As caregivers, we can bridge this gap by tuning in to nonverbal cues—facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and touch. Sometimes, a gentle smile, a reassuring hand, or simply being present can say more than words ever could.

Some tips:

• Use simple language and short sentences. Speak slowly and clearly, giving one idea at a time.

• Maintain eye contact and use gentle touch. Nonverbal cues like a smile or a reassuring hand can be very comforting.

• Be patient and give extra time to respond. Silence is okay—allow your loved one to process and reply at their own pace.

• Listen with your full attention. Show that you value their words, even if they struggle to find them.

• Use visual aids and gestures. Pointing, showing objects, or demonstrating actions can help make your message clearer.

• Encourage expression through art, music, or movement. Sometimes, drawing, singing, or dancing can communicate feelings words cannot.

• Create a calm and quiet environment. Limit distractions so it’s easier to focus on each other.

• Validate feelings, not just words. If your loved one seems upset or happy, acknowledge those emotions, even if you don’t understand the words.

• Reminisce with photos or familiar objects. These can spark memories and encourage conversation.

• Stay positive and reassuring. Your tone and body language can help your loved one feel safe and understood.

• Remember: Communication is about connection, not perfection. Every effort you make helps your loved one feel valued and heard.

While dementia may change how we communicate, it doesn’t erase the need to be heard and understood. By finding creative ways to connect, we honor the person behind the illness and nurture the bond you share.

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📰 Communication Research and Resources 📰

Articles from Around the Web

• 5 Strategies for Meeting Unmet Needs (elumenEd): you can start learning about dementia communication with this free guide from elumenEd.

• Breaking Barriers: A Compassionate Guide to Dementia Communication (Malcolm Gill): this article on LinkedIn gives a clear and concise breakdown of effective dementia communication strategies.

• Communication and Alzheimer’s (Alzheimer’s Association): learn about how communication changes throughout the course of Alzheimer’s disease, and ways to go with the flow.

Suggested Books on the Dementia Communication

• Caregiving Communication Book for Non Verbal Adults and Seniors: features “more than 200 easy-to-understand symbols and images, well organized into 14 categories related to caregiving: Feelings, Communication, Bathing, Dressing, Meal Time, Food, Fruits, Drinks, Medical, Body Pain, Daily Activities, Places, Personal Needs, and Items.”

• The Montessori Method for Connecting to People with Dementia: if you’re a fan of the Montessori method, this might be a great book for you. “Creative activities can support people with dementia, leading to moments of reconnection and joy. This book shows how the Montessori method - with its arts-based, person-centred and positive focus - can help caregivers connect to people with dementia.”

• The 36-Hour Day: this is one of the most widely- and highly-acclaimed books ever published about caregiving. Highly recommended!

• Creating Personal Engagement: and no list of great dementia books would be complete without the one written by yours truly! This book is all about how we engage our loved ones in the course of daily life and respond to their needs with effective communication and action.