Category: Dementia Safety Topics™ Online Training Program

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 people suffering from dementia 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 people suffering from dementia 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 people suffering from dementia:

• 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 people suffering from dementia, 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. Getting ready for a shower may seem simple, but for someone with dementia, it can feel overwhelming. Caregiving for people with dementia 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 people suffering from dementia, 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 people with dementia and making everyday care feel natural and easy. It’s not just about the shower—it’s about the connection.

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