What to do when your loved one has trouble talking
When a person with dementia starts having trouble talking, it can be frustrating for both them and their loved ones. Here are tips, actions, recommendations, and examples of things family members can do to help with communication difficulties:
1. Be Patient and Give Them Time
What to Say: “Take your time; I’m here to listen.”
Action: Allow them extra time to respond without interrupting or finishing their sentences for them. Show you are listening by making eye contact and nodding.
Why: Patience reduces pressure and allows them to express themselves without feeling rushed or anxious.
2. Simplify Questions and Language
What to Say: “Would you like tea or water?” instead of “What would you like to drink?”
Action: Ask simple, yes-or-no questions or offer a couple of choices instead of open-ended questions. Use clear, short sentences.
Why: Simple questions are easier for them to process and respond to, reducing frustration.
3. Use Gestures and Nonverbal Cues
What to Say: Pair spoken words with gestures like pointing or showing an object.
Action: Use hand gestures, facial expressions, and visual aids (like photos or objects) to enhance your words. If they can’t find the word for an item, show it to them.
Why: Nonverbal communication helps fill in the gaps when verbal expression becomes difficult, making it easier for them to understand and respond.
4. Provide Reassurance and Comfort
What to Say: “I understand it’s hard, but you’re doing great.”
Action: Offer reassurance if they become frustrated or upset when struggling to speak. Gently encourage them without pushing.
Why: Positive reinforcement and a calm, supportive tone help them stay relaxed and reduce anxiety about communication struggles.
5. Use Familiar Phrases or Songs
What to Say: Repeat common phrases or familiar lyrics like, “You’ve always liked singing this song, let’s sing it together.”
Action: Engage them with familiar songs, poems, or phrases they’ve often used in the past. Sometimes, singing or rhythmic speech can trigger memories and aid communication.
Why: Familiar patterns of speech or song can bypass some of the challenges they face with regular conversation, offering an alternative way to express themselves.
6. Use Visual Aids
Action: Show them photos, drawings, or written words to help them communicate. For example, if they can’t recall the word for “apple,” you can show them a picture of it.
Why: Visual cues provide a reference point that can help trigger memories or aid in expressing ideas.
7. Break Things Down
What to Say: “Can you tell me more about that?” or “Let’s go one step at a time.”
Action: If they are struggling to explain something, ask them to break it down into smaller parts. Give prompts to guide the conversation forward.
Why: Breaking complex thoughts into smaller pieces can make communication easier and less overwhelming.
8. Avoid Correcting or Criticizing
What to Say: “I understand what you mean,” instead of “That’s not what it’s called.”
Action: Focus on understanding their message, even if they use the wrong words or grammar. Don’t criticize or correct mistakes. If they get stuck, gently suggest or prompt them, but avoid being overly directive.
Why: Correcting them can make them feel self-conscious or embarrassed, leading to further frustration or withdrawal from communication.
9. Speak Slowly and Clearly
•What to Say: “Let’s take it step by step.”
•Action: Speak slowly and clearly, using simple and direct language. Avoid talking too fast or using complex vocabulary.
•Why: This gives them time to process what you’re saying and form a response.
10. Respect Their Efforts
•What to Say: “You’re doing really well.”
Action: Acknowledge their effort to communicate, even if it’s not perfect or fully coherent. If they’re struggling, redirect the conversation gently, but never dismiss their attempt.
Why: Encouragement helps them stay engaged in conversations and makes them feel valued, even if communication is difficult.
11. Incorporate Technology
Action: Use communication apps or picture-based tools to help them express ideas when words fail. Some apps are designed specifically to aid communication for people with dementia.
Why: Technology can offer alternative ways for them to communicate using visuals or simplified language.
12. Reduce Background Noise
Action: Turn off the TV, radio, or other background noise when trying to communicate.
Why: A quiet environment makes it easier for them to focus on the conversation without distractions.
13. Consider Speech Therapy
Action: Speak to a healthcare provider about the possibility of speech therapy, which can offer tailored exercises to help with communication skills.
Why: A speech therapist can provide professional strategies and tools to help them improve their ability to communicate.
By combining patience, simplified communication, and visual or nonverbal cues, family members can help ease the frustration and challenges of talking for someone with dementia. This creates a supportive environment that encourages engagement and connection despite the difficulties
.Source: Alzheimer’s Association
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