More Tips on Communicating with Someone with a Memory Loss

Communication with someone who is confused can be challenging. Try incorporating these verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to help you better communicate with your loved one.

Verbal Communication

  • Make sure they hear you (stand close), as hearing declines in later life.
  • Lower your tone of voice (loss of hearing is usually for high decibels of sound). If you raise the noise level of the voice, the resident may interpret same as being mad, angry or upset.
  • Eliminate distracting noise and activities.
  • Use SHORT words and short SIMPLE sentences. If repeating, REPEAT EXACT SAME words.
  • Only ask one question at a time. No complex choices need be given.
  • Request only one task at a time.
  • Break down each task into simple step-by-step tasks.
  • Speak slowly and WAIT for the person to respond.
  • If a person can’t find a word, usually it may be less frustrating to tell him the word.
  • If a person has trouble expressing an idea, ask if GUESSING correctly using as few words as possible. (For example, "Do you hurt?", "Where?", "Please show me.")

Non-verbal Communication

  • Make sure you are speaking into their "good" ear.
  • Make eye contact, look the person squarely in the eye.
  • Tone inflection and touch are very important. Perhaps hold hands while talking.
  • Share tears. They may be appropriate and therapeutic.
  • Frown or smile to communicate.
  • Accept affection warmly and return if comfortable with same.
  • Try to remain calm, pleasant, supportive. It is important not to let your bad days affect them.
  • SMILE!
  • Make sure they are paying attention if you are trying to convey something.
  • Use other signals: point, touch, hand things, demonstration action to get them started.
  • Avoid using complex reasons for their behaviors. Do not analyze.