Dementia Support
Helpful suggestions for making life with a person living with dementia a little smoother!
Communication tips
Communicating with a person with Dementia
Communication is more than just talking. Body language, physical contact, and tone of voice become very significant when a person has difficulty understanding words. A hug, a touch of hands, and a friendly tone of voice will likely help to reassure them. When all else fails, SMILE!
Communication is more than just talking. Body language, physical contact, and tone of voice become very significant when a person has difficulty understanding words. A hug, a touch of hands, and a friendly tone of voice will likely help to reassure them. When all else fails, SMILE!
Always have a positive attitude
The person with dementia may have an increased sensitivity to other people's emotions and feelings and tends to mirror this. When others are tense and uptight, they feel the same way. Try not to get frustrated when they do something that seems perfectly normal to them and foolish to you.
Get the person's attention first
Before speaking, make sure you have eye contact; if they are seated, get down to their level. Address them by name, and use nonverbal cues to help keep them focused. Limit outside noise and distractions
Speak slowly and use simple words
Articulate well and use short sentences. If necessary, repeat your message or question, but always be patient in waiting for their reply ( they may fell pressured if you try to speed up their answer). Always try to listen for the meaning and feelings that underlie their words.
Be respectful of their feelings
Do not talk down to them or speak to them like a child. Never ridicule what they say. Instead, acknowledge their answer (even if it seems out of context) and show them you are paying attention.
For more information go to alzheimers.org.uk or call 0300 222 1122
Food & Drink
Dementia Meal Tips
Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is very important. Here are some suggestions to help with mealtimes:
Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is very important. Here are some suggestions to help with mealtimes:
Presentation
Offering a range of tastes, textures, colours and smells and serving food on aesthetically pleasing crockery can increase its attractiveness and stimulate appetite. It’s important to remember that the presentation of meals is just important as the taste of the food itself.
Variety
Variety is the key to increasing food intake-people eat 50% more food if there is variety. Although it can be beneficial to stick to a weekly meal plan, a few little treats now and again can help excite taste buds and make meal times an occasion to look forward to.
Happy Memories
Take the time to make a list of favourite foods that have positive associations (i.e. ice cream that recaptures fond memories of summers past etc.) Incorporating foods from this list into the diet now and again can be a great way of helping with memory recollection and ensuring that meal plans remain inspiring.
Easy Calories
When meal intake declines, often due to a lack of appetite or reduced ability to swallow, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate more easily digestible foods into the diet. Nutritious alternatives like soups, avocados and bananas are all good options packed with vital vitamins and nutrients.
Dementia Friends: An Alzheimer's Society Initiative
Dementia Friends is a social movement that aims to increase understanding of dementia and inspire people to take action to support people affected by dementia in their community.
Find out more about Dementia FriendsAdvocate in your community
Could you be a Dementia Friend?
Read more about what is involved in being a Dementia Friend.
Find out more about Dementia FriendsRead more about what is involved in being a Dementia Friend.
What is the Dementia Friends initiative?
The Alzheimer’s Society formed the dementia friends programme to create “Dementia Friendly Communities”. This was so communities could become more understanding and inclusive of people affected by dementia.
What is a Dementia Friend?
A Dementia friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help in the community. Becoming a Dementia friend helps raises awareness and understanding so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want.
How to become a Dementia Friend?
It’s very easy to become a Dementia Friend. To become a dementia friend, you must attend a dementia friend session and understand five key messages that we think everyone should know about dementia and take dementia-friendly action.
What are Dementia Friends Champions doing?
Bluebird Care Dementia Champions are volunteers in the company. Who encourage others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia. Our Champions host dementia friend sessions in the communities by giving them information about the impacts of dementia and what they can do to help.