Interacting with Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a term for symptoms such as impaired thinking and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause for dementia and presents itself through impaired thought, impaired speech, and confusion.

Seniors with dementia may:

• Lose their train of thought.

• Struggle with organizing words logically.

• Need more time to understand things said to them.

• Speak inappropriately or use offensive language.

The Dos. 

• Speak clearly, slowly, and simply. Use short sentences with only one idea or question at a time.

• Show respect and stay present. Show the senior you are listening and trying to understand. Make eye contact and be at their level when speaking with them.

• Use visual cues. Hand gestures can promote better understanding than words alone; for example, rather than just asking what color nail polish they want, lay the selection in front of them.

• Say what you are going to do before doing it, especially if you are going to touch them.

• Stay calm and positive. If you seem frustrated or angry, the senior may mirror that feeling back. Speaking in a calm tone can also help send clearer messages.

 The Don’ts. When working with a senior with dementia, DO NOT: 

• Assume the senior cannot understand you. They may just need a minute to process what you said. 

• Speak about them as if they are not there. 

• Interrupt. It may take them longer to process and respond. Do not hurry or correct them.

• Question recent memory or remind them that they forget.

Check out our tips on interacting with seniors experiencing grief and loss!