Helpful Tips When Working With People With Dementia

Written by: Jane Blackwell Published: May 16, 2023

This month we wanted to share a list of helpful tips for those working with and caring for people with dementia.

This month we wanted to share a list of helpful tips for those working with and caring for people with dementia.

1. Get to know the person

  • Know their likes and dislikes
  • Gather life history
  • Have three points of conversation

2. Smile! .. The person with dementia will notice

  • Your emotional state
  • Your body language
  • Tone of voice

3. Slow down

  • Provide care in a relaxed manner
  • Enable the person to do things for themselves
  • Keep it simple

4. Introduce yourself

  • Let the person know who you are
  • Tell them what you are there for
  • Obtain their permission to assist with care

5. Communicate clearly

  • One point at a time
  • Make sure glasses and hearing aides are used if needed
  • Use an interpreter if needed

6. Step back.. if the person is aggressive

  • Leave the area
  • Reassess and try again later
  • Try to identify the trigger to the behaviour

7. Keep it quiet

  • Stop and listen
  • Reduce conflicting noises
  • Avoid crowds and lots of noise

8. Don’t argue

  • Go with the flow
  • Acknowledge and respect what the person is saying and doing
  • Telling them they are wrong may have a negative effect

9. Engage and encourage

  • Get the person started with a meaningful activity
  • Set activities up to succeed
  • Thank them for assisting you and themselves

10. Consider safety

  • Approach safely
  • Keep a safe distance
  • Allow yourself an exit

11. Distract

  • Talk about their life
  • Give them something to do
  • Provide a relaxed environment

12. Talk with others

  • What has worked and what hasn’t
  • Talk together about what has happened
  • Record what you did.