C – Connect with the Person
“Connect with the person” is the first step in the CARES® Approach to dementia care. To truly connect with someone living with dementia, it helps to know a bit about who they are—their likes, their memories, and what makes them feel at ease. Once you understand that, you can choose a way to connect that fits both the person and the moment.
Keeping the Connection Going
In daily caregiving, it’s not just about saying hello and starting a task. It’s about building a connection and keeping it going through every step of the interaction. This is one of the key parts of communication in dementia care—staying present, gentle, and personal.
Let’s say you’re helping Mr. X get dressed. A good way to begin is by bringing up something familiar or comforting—maybe a walk you both took recently. You might say, “Remember our walk the other day? We saw that big tree near the river.” Or you could look at his feet and gently ask, “How do your feet feel? Are they cold? Let’s get some socks and shoes on.”
This kind of simple, friendly talk is what makes communication in dementia care effective. It keeps the person calm, engaged, and feeling safe.
As you continue helping him, keep that connection alive by asking questions about things that matter to him. For example:
Do you like walks?
What is your favorite tree?
Did you ever go boating on a river?
Do you know anyone who likes to go bird watching?
These small conversations are more than just chit-chat—they’re powerful tools in communication in dementia care. They help the person feel seen, respected, and comforted—and that’s what real emotional care is all about.
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