How to Talk to a Parent with Dementia

When a parent is diagnosed with dementia, their condition often affects their ability to communicate. Dementia is complex in nature and causes all kinds of cognitive changes. However, with professional support and education, you can help a parent with dementia and continue strengthening your relationship.

To talk to a parent with dementia, try to:

• Be prepared

• Minimize distractions

• Practice patience

• Keep it simple

• Listen actively

• Avoid negativity

• Seek professional support

Be Prepared

Being prepared is one of the most important steps before talking to a parent with dementia. You need to begin by understanding where your parent is coming from, considering the challenges they face, and meeting them in the middle.

Start by gathering information about your parent’s condition. Primarily, dementia affects how a person:

• Remembers words
• Processes information 
• Engages in conversation 
• Understands language nuances

Having this knowledge lets you change your approach to the conversation. This is invaluable and helps you create a safe, nurturing environment where your loved one feels understood.

Minimize Distractions

Your next step is to prepare the space around you. A conducive, welcoming space plays a critical role in the conversation. Opt for a quiet and familiar setting where your parent feels at ease. This familiarity helps reduce anxiety and makes it much easier to stay focused.

Try to:

• Turn off distractions like TVs, radios, or phones
• Ensure the space is well-lit, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere
• Arrange seating to encourage direct eye contact and proximity
• Use calm and soothing colors in the surroundings to further enhance comfort

This lowers the chance of your parent getting distracted mid-conversation. You should also try to ensure the room is well-lit and comfortable, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Comfort is essential to a quality conversation.

Practice Patience

Patience is a virtue, especially when speaking to someone with memory impairment. They may need extra time to respond or process information. Rushing them in the conversation doesn’t help anyone—this just causes frustration and disconnection.

Avoid interrupting your parent during conversations. Giving them the chance to express themselves fully demonstrates respect and fosters trust. Listening carefully to what they’re saying, even if you don’t fully understand, keeps the conversation open and honest.

Make sure to stay calm and composed, even if your parent becomes frustrated. Your demeanor significantly influences the mood of the conversation. By remaining patient and understanding, you can mitigate tension and create a more pleasant exchange.

Keep It Simple

Simplicity in communication is one of the most important things to consider. If you make things too complicated, it’s easy for your parent to lose their place. Instead, make a point to simplify your language as much as possible.

It helps to:

• Use clear and straightforward words
• Avoid complex sentences or jargon
• Limit the conversation to one topic at a time
• Break down information into small, digestible pieces
• Repeat key points if necessary

Bombarding your parent with multiple topics at once is overwhelming. It disrupts the flow of conversation and makes it easy to become distracted.

However, you need to balance your approach. If you oversteer, it may come across as infantilizing or condescending. Adjust your tone and language to suit your parent’s individual needs and abilities.

Listen Actively

Active listening is a powerful tool when talking to any person in your life. When speaking to a parent with dementia, pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues. Body language, facial expressions, and tone provide valuable insights into their feelings and needs—especially if they struggle to communicate clearly.

Acknowledge their feelings with empathy and understanding. Even if you disagree with the content, try to understand the motivation behind the words. Validating their feelings shows respect and fosters a valuable sense of connection. This approach can transform challenging interactions into opportunities for positive bonding.

Avoid Negativity

Finally, make sure to maintain a positive tone throughout the conversation. Steer clear of arguing or correcting inaccuracies unless your loved one’s safety or lifestyle is at risk somehow. Confrontation can lead to distress and get in the way of meaningful interaction.

If your parent becomes agitated or confused, redirect the conversation. Don’t criticize them—instead, just guide the conversation to a different topic. This can help de-escalate tension and maintain a supportive atmosphere.

At all times, offer reassurance and positivity. Simple gestures of encouragement can boost your parent’s confidence and make them feel cherished. Celebrate the small things, and let little problems go. This promotes connection and trust.

Seek Professional Support at Mira Vie Senior Living

Communicating with a parent with dementia can be challenging. However, with these steps, you can create a supportive, meaningful interaction that helps you strengthen your bond. Remember—you aren’t alone, and our team at Mira Via Senior Living is here to help. Contact us for more information, or book a tour with us at one of our communities today! We’re here for you.