Book: Communication in Care

In Later Stage dementia the person with dementia may have limited verbal communication. People with dementia often communicate their needs and feelings through non-verbal means – body language, gestures and facial expressions and behaviour.

·         It’s important to remember that you know the person you are caring for. You know when he/ she are comfortable and happy. You know this from the non-verbal signs of communication such as relaxed muscle tone, smiling, or eye contact. The person is communicating with you, you are connecting with him/her

·         Emotions and feelings stay fairly intact in the person with dementia. In Later Stages people continue to feel the whole array of emotions: happiness, sadness, joy, grief, and so on. What changes is the amount of control they have on the expression of their emotions. You can assist the person with their emotions. The person with dementia, particularly late in the disease, lives in the moment, without a perceived past or future. If you help them enjoy the moment, communication is a gift of positive emotions (Ghent-Fuller, 2003).

·         Try to maintain eye contact with the person.

·         Think about your non-verbal communication; body language and tone of voice. Touch and human contact are important. Sitting with the person, talking to them, brushing their hair and holding hands may help. As discussed in Unit 2 Symptoms in Later Stage.

·         A calm and familiar environment is usually best for a person with dementia at the end of their life. Stimulating the senses, for example with music and aromas the person likes, can also help. The focus should be on making sure the person is as comfortable as possible.

·         Take your time and take cues from the person. Maybe locate their bed near a window for natural sunlight or so that they can hear the sounds of nature.

Use what you know about the person to engage them. This could include hobbies and interests from their past. It can help to make use of a range of resources such as photos, objects and memorabilia. The most important thing is to engage with the person – talk to them, make use of the senses (touch, music, smells) and use what you know about them.