Navigating the communication challenges of dementia can be a profound experience, both for the individuals living with the condition and their loved ones who wish to maintain a strong, supportive connection. Some tips for talking to someone with dementia on the phone include:
- Talk about shared memories.
- Keep the conversation light and uncomplicated.
- Keep the conversation positive and focus on the good things in the present.
- Leverage technology to assist during the phone call.
Understanding how to adapt our conversations to the needs of those with dementia is crucial in an era where the telephone is a vital channel for human interaction. If your loved one lives in a senior living community, it’s worth reaching out to the community team, as they can typically help facilitate phone calls.
Understanding Dementia & Its Impact on Communication
Dementia isn’t a disease but a term that includes a host of symptoms, such as memory loss, language, and problem-solving, that cause disruptions to an individual’s daily life. These cognitive issues can also affect a person’s behavior and relationships.
While memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, it’s not the only one. Dementia is a complex neurological condition that gradually affects a person’s cognitive abilities, including language and communication skills.
The varied presentations of dementia—such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia—mean that communication difficulties are equally diverse. Some may struggle with aphasia because of damage caused by dementia, finding it challenging to understand or formulate words.
Tips for Effective Communication on the Phone
Talking to a loved one on the phone isn’t impossible, even with a diagnosis like dementia that can complicate the process. A few things to keep in mind to make phone communication more effective include:
The Power of Patience & Presence
It’s vital to employ a presence that reassures and communicates patience when engaging in a phone conversation with someone with dementia.
- Use a calm and reassuring tone.
- Use verbal and non-verbal cues to express your support.
- Allow for silence to help the person process information .
The Art of Simplification
Breaking down information and questions into manageable segments can ease the cognitive load for someone with dementia, making the call a less stressful experience.
- Convey one idea at a time.
- Use names instead of pronouns to clarify who or what is being discussed.
- Use clear and short sentences.
Technology as a Tool, Not a Barrier
It’s important to strike a balance between using technology to facilitate calls and ensuring that the technology doesn’t become a source of frustration.
- Select easy-to-use phones with large buttons and clear displays.
- Familiar the person with how to make and receive calls.
- Use a video chat option if available.
Practical Strategies for Engaging Conversations
Here are a few things to consider to help keep the conversation going.
Touching the Heart Through Shared Memories
Recalling fond memories can ignite a sense of recognition and comfort during a call, allowing the conversation to flow with understanding and emotional resonance.
- Share stories from the past that are known to bring joy.
- Affirm the person’s role in significant moments.
- Appeal to senses by describing familiar settings or experiences.
Keep the Conversation Lighthearted
For a positive interaction, the conversation should steer clear of topics that require heavy mental lifting and focus on shared knowledge and ease.
- Discuss hobbies or interests that have been long-standing.
- Focus on the familiar.
- Celebrate the joy of ordinary, day-to-day life experiences.
Focus on the Present
Steer the conversation toward positivity, emphasizing the beauty and excitement of life’s current tapestry, avoiding somber news or complex future planning when possible.
- Share uplifting stories and experiences.
- Discuss current interests or events from a joyous perspective.
- Remain empathetic and emotionally attuned to the person’s feelings.
Leverage Technology
An entirely verbal conversation may not always be suitable for some individuals, depending on where they’re at on their dementia journey.
- Leverage technology like Facebook or WhatsApp that offers video chatting.
- Play a simple phone game together while chatting, which can provide a fun remote activity to enjoy together.
Set the Stage for Success
Prepare the environment for a phone conversation, ensuring that you can minimize or avoid distractions or obstacles.
- Choosing a quiet and familiar environment.
- Having personal items on hand that may facilitate the conversation.
- Ensuring good network coverage to avoid technical frustrations.
We’re Here to Support Your Family
While dementia changes the terrain of communication, it doesn’t diminish the need for warmth and connection. Engaging with someone who has dementia on the phone may require adjustments, but each call can be rich with emotional connection. Our ability to maintain these connections, to speak in a language of patience and empathy, fortifies the resilience of the human spirit.
Call our team at The Bridges at Warwick today. We’re happy to discuss how our compassionate caregivers can help you stay connected with your loved ones when they call our community home.
