Engagement & Communication with Persons with Dementia

Engagement and Communication Practices with Persons with Dementia

Disability engagement and communication requires some planning and thought, especially when you are working toward being a church where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. Many people have not thought about ways to make interactions with those of us who are disabled easier and more natural. To start with, remember that each person is unique and all of us are made in the image of God. If you encounter a disabled person who may need assistance, ask if help is wanted and exactly how you can help.

Who are persons with dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is only one type of dementia. Other types are multi-infarct (caused by a series of strokes), Lewy-Body dementia and dementia caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Dementia usually gets more severe over time. The effects typically include cognitive, communication, and sensory perceptual deficits such as impaired depth perception and poor body position awareness. Behavior and personality changes are common. Physical health may remain good for many years, though in end stages a person may no longer be able to walk or sit unaided.

When you are with a person who has dementia:

  • Introduce yourself and don’t expect the person to recall your name. They are more likely to remember your smiling face! Consider wearing a name tag.

  • Treat each person respectfully as an adult and include them in the conversation.

  • When they are upset, sad, or angry, always validate their feelings.

  • Don’t correct errors or argue about facts; accept their perceptions and memories.

  • Use distraction, e.g., catching a soft ball, having a snack, etc. to help them move on.

  • Keep directions short and simple. Allow time to respond. Repeat if needed.

  • Use gentle humor and find reasons to laugh together and enjoy the moment.

  • Focus on using their remaining skills, which may include singing, walking, or looking at photos from the past or of favorite things.

  • Expect good and bad days, and more challenging behavior later in the day.

  • Keep the environment safe with sharps, toxins, chemicals, matches etc., locked up.

For more information:

July 2024, Deaconess Lynn Swedberg

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications