Communicating with a Loved One Living with Dementia

Caring for someone with dementia changes the way conversations unfold. Words that once flowed easily can now feel heavy with pauses, misunderstandings, or repetition. It can be deeply frustrating, but it is also a reminder that communication is about more than words. It is about connection, reassurance, and presence.


When a loved one struggles to find the right expression, it helps to slow down and give them space. Many carers find themselves tempted to fill the silence or correct mistakes, but often the most powerful act is patient listening. A gentle nod, steady eye contact, and a calm tone can ease anxiety and make a person feel safe even when the details get muddled.


Non-verbal cues become especially important. A reassuring hand on the shoulder, a smile, or sitting close enough to make someone feel they are not alone can mean more than an entire sentence. Many families discover that their loved one picks up more on tone and body language than on the words themselves.


It is also important to avoid treating adults with dementia as if they were children. Simplifying language helps, but dignity must remain intact. Use clear sentences, one idea at a time, but speak with respect. The person is still the same individual with memories, history, and identity.


When confusion or agitation rises, changing the subject can sometimes work better than insisting on correction. For example, if a loved one forgets the day or insists on something that is no longer true, redirecting gently toward a calming activity can preserve peace. A favourite song, a photo album, or even a cup of tea can shift the moment from distress to comfort.


Communication is never one-sided. Carers must also look after themselves. Feeling unheard or unappreciated by a loved one with dementia is painful, and acknowledging those emotions is not selfish—it is human. Support groups, counselling, or even casual conversations with others in the same position can provide perspective and strength.


At its heart, communication with someone who has dementia is about valuing the person, not the accuracy of their words. Conversations may not always make sense, but the feelings exchanged are real. When we respond with patience and empathy, we keep relationships alive even as the illness progresses.

January 17, 2026
We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people to join our growing team in the Cheshire and Chester area. If you want flexible work that makes a real difference in people’s lives, we want to hear from you! What We Offer: Competitive pay Fully paid training Flexible hours during the week and weekends – perfect for part-time work Supportive team and opportunities for career progression Rewarding work making a real difference in the community  What We’re Looking For: Kind, dependable, and passionate individuals Drivers required Genuine desire to help and support others
January 6, 2026
Job Description Duties and responsibilities Aa a Care Coordinator you will work across departments to support the various day to day operations of the business to ensure that that care and support services are delivered in a safe, person centred and efficient manner. Your overall duties and responsibilities will vary widely depending on the needs of the business and service user priorities however your main duties and responsibilities can include: Ensuring that the staff deliver high-quality and personalised care and support to service users. Managing communications between service users, staff and our organisations to ensure that the service is of a high standard at all times. Support the management teams in recruiting, training and supervising staff and communicating the needs of service users to carers. Champion the organisation’s policies and procedures and ensure that the service is delivered in line with CQC regulatory standards. Liaise with relevant local authority representatives to co-ordinate activities of care and support in line with the needs of the service users and their families. Ensure that all activities such as personal care and medication administration meet the required standards including supervising, training and reporting on all concerns ensure that improvements are made where needed. Prepare regular reports related to the progress of service users and communicate these with all professionals as necessary. Skills, Experience and Qualifications Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with service users, families, professionals and care staff. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to prepare comprehensive reports Passion for helping people and providing personalised care Sound leadership and management skills and the ability to motivate others In-depth understanding of the organisation’s policies and procedures including ability to lead and supervise care staff Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and respect for service users and their families. Proficiency with IT systems including care management software tools to produce reports. Ability to adapt and be flexible including skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at a time Benefits 25 days annual leave including bank holidays Business mileage allowance Initial pay of £22,480 per annum with agreed pay progression
January 6, 2026
Job Description Operational duties Manage staffing Monitor central mailbox Oversee recruitment process Document management Coordinate staff training Incident Management tracker Staff attendance & resource re-allocation Line manager for field care supervisor Organising and recording evidence of team meetings Compliance Auditing Recruitment audit DBS and RTW audit Training audit Care plan audit Consent audit Complaints and complements tracker Safety and Quality assurance MDT meetings Liaise with parents Liaise with social workers and commissioners Coordinate six monthly reviews Point of contact for staff Coordinating staff surveys every 6 months Other Initial review of referrals Escalating concerns to registered manager Review social media content and monthly newsletter Don’t Complaints Payroll Business development Bids and tenders Staff expenses