Day: April 23, 2025

Connecting with a person living with dementia can often begin with a simple conversation—especially when that conversation centers around something meaningful to them. Talking about their interests, past experiences, or cherished memories is a powerful way to engage. But beyond conversation, what else can make their day truly fulfilling?

Meaningful Activities for People with Dementia

Sometimes, it’s the ordinary things that matter most.

Think about the routines we all follow each day—making breakfast, watering the plants, folding laundry. These tasks may seem small or mundane, but they serve a bigger purpose. They ground us. They give our days structure and meaning. Often, we do them without even realizing their significance.

For someone with dementia, these everyday activities can offer that same sense of purpose. In fact, feeling useful—no matter how small the task—is deeply important, especially when someone is navigating cognitive or physical challenges. A sense of usefulness boosts self-esteem, reduces feelings of helplessness, and contributes to overall well-being.

Simple routines like setting the table, brushing a pet, or helping fold clothes aren’t just chores—they’re opportunities. Opportunities to feel included, to participate, and to contribute.

By encouraging and supporting these small daily activities, caregivers can help create moments of connection and joy. And in those moments, a person with dementia can experience something we all deserve—a good day, with purpose and meaning.

Even simple daily tasks can create a powerful sense of purpose in dementia care. Want to enhance your skills? Get $25 OFF any CARES® online training with code 2MYVB5 at checkout. Offer valid until June 30, 2025.

Talking to someone with dementia can feel a little tricky at first, especially if you’re unsure what to say or how to keep the conversation going. But with the right dementia communication techniques, it becomes much easier to engage in meaningful conversations that make both of you feel connected.

The key is understanding that conversations with someone who has dementia are different. Memory loss can make certain questions challenging, and topics might need to be adjusted. But that doesn’t mean real, heartfelt conversations aren’t possible.

How to talk to someone with dementia

If you’re wondering how to talk to someone with dementia, here are a few easy and effective ways to make interactions smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Talk About Their Life Story

Knowing a little about their past can help you guide conversations. You could say, “Mrs. Nichols, your daughter mentioned you were married for 52 years. That’s incredible! What was your wedding like?”

2. Use Objects Around Them

A familiar object can spark conversation. “Alice, I see a beautiful wooden boat on your shelf. Did you make that?”

3. Discuss Everyday Things

Even small talk works well. “We’re having mashed potatoes today—my favorite! Do you like them too?”

4. Share a Bit About Yourself

Showing something personal, like a family picture, can help. “This is my daughter, Jessica. She went to a dance last night! Did you like dancing?”

5. Offer a Genuine Compliment

Everyone loves a nice compliment. “Your hair looks lovely today!”
The main goal is to make them feel heard and respected. Even if they repeat stories, let them share. It’s not about the details—it’s about making them feel valued.

Tips for Dementia Caregivers

For caregivers, communication is not just about talking—it’s about listening, adapting, and making each interaction positive. Some useful dementia communication techniques include:

• Keep sentences short and simple.
• Avoid correcting them if they forget something.
• Be patient and give them time to respond.
• Use a calm and friendly tone.

Even when words fail, non-verbal cues like smiling, gentle touches, and eye contact can help create a warm connection.

Why Effective Communication Matters

Using effective communication with Alzheimer’s patients can make daily interactions smoother and more fulfilling. When you focus on positive engagement, you help reduce frustration for both yourself and the person with dementia. Dementia communication techniques aren’t just about words—they’re about connection.

By following these simple steps, you can create meaningful moments with your loved one, even in the face of memory loss.

Even simple daily tasks can create a powerful sense of purpose in dementia care. Want to enhance your skills? Get $25 OFF any CARES® online training with code 2MYVB5 at checkout. Offer valid until June 30, 2025.

People living with dementia have the same need for connection as everyone else. Every interaction—whether during dressing, meals, or daily activities—is an opportunity to engage with them in a meaningful way. Connecting with dementia patients isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about making them feel valued and involved.

Creating Meaningful Moments

Instead of rushing through daily routines, turn them into moments of engagement:
• While dressing, offer choices: “Do you like the blue shirt or the pink one?”
• During room cleaning, invite them to help: “Want to hand me the blankets?”
• When serving food, add a personal touch: “Here’s your spaghetti with two meatballs, just how you like it!”

These small efforts can make a big difference in connecting with dementia patients and making them feel included.

Using Life History for Connection

Many care facilities use a life history in dementia care form to learn about residents’ past experiences, hobbies, and preferences. If one doesn’t exist, speaking with family members or creating a memory box with personal items can help build deeper connections. Knowing a person’s background is key to person-centered care and helps caregivers engage in ways that are meaningful to them.

Everyone Can Make a Difference

Engagement isn’t just the responsibility of activity staff. Whether you’re a caregiver, cook, or administrator, you can play a role in connecting with dementia patients:

• A cook can share a meal and reminisce with residents.
• An administrator who enjoys knitting can sit and knit with a resident who shares the same interest.
• A simple greeting like “I’m so happy to see you this morning!” can set a positive tone for the day.

Encouraging Independence

Maintaining self-worth and independence is crucial in dementia support. Instead of doing everything for them, involve them in their own care:

• Let them pick an outfit or button their shirt.
• Compliment their choices: “This color looks amazing on you!”
• While brushing their hair, make it fun: “Let’s make you look even more fabulous today!”

When we focus on connecting with dementia patients, we create moments of joy, dignity, and purpose. And that’s what truly matters in person-centered care.

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What does it mean to “make a connection” with the people with dementia? It means that you have done something with or for them where they show signs of awareness, comfort, appreciation, or enjoyment. It means that you have found a way to reach them and to have a meaningful moment with them.

Let’s look at two examples of ways to approach a task like giving someone with dementia a shower. In the Common Approach example, Flo, a home health aide, uses a common, task-oriented approach to give Lee (a character with Alzheimer’s) a shower.

Example – 1

Getting ready for a shower may seem simple, but for someone with dementia, it can feel overwhelming. Caregiving for dementia patients requires patience, reassurance, and a calm approach.

• “Let’s get ready to take your shower, okay?” Towels and clothes are prepped, glasses are removed, and permission is asked before each step.
• But then, hesitation kicks in—“Oh, no. I don’t wanna get in the water.” Lee becomes uneasy, showing signs of discomfort.

Despite the gentle approach, there’s clear resistance. The process continues, but is she truly feeling comfortable and understood? This is where person-centered dementia care can make all the difference.

Example – 2

The difference in approach is clear. Instead of focusing on the shower, the caregiver engages Lee in a conversation about things she enjoys—her family, past events, and even a wedding. This shift keeps her mind occupied and eases her into the routine without resistance.

• The caregiver avoids mentioning the shower at first, instead chatting about a new car, family, and fun memories.
• When Lee starts feeling uneasy, the conversation smoothly redirects to more comforting topics like food, weather, and weekend plans.

By keeping the conversation natural and engaging, Lee stays relaxed and less resistant. Using dementia communication strategies makes everyday tasks smoother and more positive. The CARES approach for dementia focuses on improving communication with dementia patients, helping them feel safe and understood.

Conclusion

Caring for someone with dementia isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about making them feel comfortable and understood. By shifting the focus from the task to the person, like chatting about family or favorite memories, caregivers can turn stressful moments into positive ones. The CARES approach for dementia shows that a little patience and good conversation can go a long way in reducing anxiety in dementia patients and making everyday care feel natural and easy. It’s not just about the shower—it’s about the connection.

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