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When a person is given a diagnosis of dementia, it can sometimes be both overwhelming and a worrying time for them, along with their network of family and friends.
One of the better ways to support people living with dementia is to consider the language you use when talking about dementia.
Language associated with dementia can often, unfortunately, be negative, for example: sufferers, elderly mentally infirm, senile, wanderers, needs feeding, needs toileting, he/she used to be an intelligent person.
More positive language to use around someone living with dementia would be along the following lines:
A person living with dementia (putting the person before the condition)
The person is hungry and ready for lunch to be served
The person enjoys getting outside and sometimes feels confined at home
They may need some assistance when they are ready to use the toilet
They ARE an intelligent person
Using negative terms can dehumanize the person with dementia, so it’s important that negative words or language be avoided. However, if a person with dementia starts to use negative words to describe themselves, for example by saying: ‘I’ve lost my marbles’, this might be an indication that they want to talk about their symptoms and are looking for reassurance from loved ones that all will be fine. When talking to someone with dementia, always remember to see the person, not the disease.
Think About Tone of Voice
Every word matters to people living with dementia, particularly as their cognitive impairment progresses, so also think about the tone of conversations. If a person is not following the pace of a conversation particularly well, they will be listening to tone and picking out specific words that they may feel are attributed to them. Try not to sound frustrated or dismissive in your language or communication. It is vital that a person living with dementia feels part of conversations and their opinions are as important as everyone else.
People living with dementia do not stop communicating. As their dementia symptoms progress, they may seek alternative routes to communicate their feelings of anxiety or joy. Repetitive conversations may indicate that the person is feeling anxious about missing an appointment or concern about visitors coming. Listening to music can create a relaxing or happy moment that brings confidence and joy to the person living with dementia. This may also happen when you ask them about their early life.
People living with dementia do want to talk and do have a voice. Try to ensure it’s always about the person and the rich experiences from their life lived, rather than talking about the symptoms of dementia.
Remember - positive words and language build emotional strength and confidence while negative words will demonstrate a person’s limitations.
Get in Touch
Using positive words and communication is part of our mission at Dementia Support, Sage House. If you would like to learn more about this subject, you can book online and join our monthly Dementia Supporter session at Sage House.
Please visit our website at: www.dementiasupport.org.uk or give us a call on 01243 888691.