HJNO Jul/Aug 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  JUL / AUG 2025 69 Melissa Brunvoll Marketing Director Assisted Living and Nursing Care Lambeth House tent environments can further reduce con- fusion, offering a sense of predictability and stability. It should be noted that listening is just as crucial as speaking when communicating with a person living with dementia. Fami- lies should be encouraged to listen ac- tively, not just to the words being said but to the emotions behind them. People with dementia often communicate through tone, expression, and gesture when words fail. Recognizing these cues allows care- givers to respond appropriately, validating the person’s feelings and reinforcing their sense of self-worth. When misunderstand- ings occur, it’s important not to argue or correct the individual, as this can lead to agitation or distress. Instead, redirect- ing the conversation or agreeing with the emotion being expressed — if not the fac- tual content — can preserve harmony. Moreover, reminiscing can be a power- ful tool. Long-term memories are often more intact than recent ones, so discuss- ing past experiences can provide joy and a sense of identity. Encouraging conversa- tions around old photographs, family tra- ditions, or life milestones can create mo- ments of connection and affirmation. At times, the person with dementia may become anxious or agitated. In these situ- ations, it’s helpful to gently redirect their attention to a more comforting topic or activity. Engaging in a favorite hobby, tak- ing a walk, or simply shifting the focus of conversation can often defuse tension and restore calm. Importantly, families should not take repeated questions or emotional outbursts personally; these are symptoms of the disease, not reflections of intent. Healthcare providers must also em- phasize the importance of caregiver self- care. Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically demanding, and burnout is a real risk. Families should be encouraged to seek support through counseling, support groups, and respite services. They should also be made aware that asking for help is not a sign of failure, but a step toward sustainable caregiving. Ultimately, the role of the healthcare provider should extend beyond direct patient care to also include equipping families with the knowledge and tools they need to communicate effectively. By fostering understanding and compassion, providers can help families maintain their relationships with their loved ones even as the disease progresses. Compassionate communication doesn’t cure dementia, but it does preserve dignity, reduce stress, and ensure that individuals continue to feel valued and connected. With informed, empathetic communication, families can continue to be a source of affection and stability for their loved ones living with dementia. n REFERENCES Alzheimer’s Disease International. “Dementia statistics.” Accessed May 2025. https://www. alzint.org/about/dementia-facts-figures/ dementia-statistics/ Alzheimer’s San Diego. “Do’s and Don’ts of Compassionate Communication and Dementia.” Accessed May 2025. https://www.alzsd.org/dos- and-donts-of-compassionate-communication- dementia/ Alzheimer’s Society. “How to communicate with someone with dementia.” Accessed May 2025. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/ symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/how-to- communicate-dementia California Department of Social Services. “Ten Tips for Communicating with a Person with Dementia.” Accessed May 2025. https:// www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/ res/VPTC2/12%20Working%20With%20 Consumers%20with%20Disabilities/Ten_Tips_ Communicating_Dementia.pdf plest conversations challenging. However, families who understand and adopt com- passionate communication techniques can maintain meaningful connections and reduce emotional distress for themselves as well as the person living with dementia. The foundation of dementia-friendly communication begins with setting a posi- tive and supportive tone. Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gentle touch often speak louder than words. Family members should be encour- aged to smile, approach their loved one calmly, and use body language that con- veys empathy and patience. These small gestures can create a sense of safety and comfort, making the person with dementia feel respected and understood. When it comes to verbal communica- tion, clarity and simplicity are key. Health- care providers should advise families to speak slowly, use short sentences, and avoid jargon or abstract concepts. Rep- etition is often necessary, and it should be delivered with a warm, reassuring tone rather than frustration or impatience. It is also helpful to use specific names instead of pronouns and to structure questions in a way that simplifies responses. For exam- ple, asking “Would you like tea or coffee?” is often more effective than “What would you like to drink?” These adjustments re- duce cognitive load and make interactions less confusing. Environmental factors also play a sig- nificant role. Conversations are more pro- ductive when conducted in quiet, distrac- tion-free settings. Turning off TVs, radios, or other background noises can help the person living with dementia concentrate better. Maintaining routines and consis-