In order to improve communication with persons who have dementia, staff and family caregivers must become creative listeners, studying both verbal and nonverbal communications. Staff and family caregivers need to speak slowly and clearly, and in a low pitched voice, while maintaining an open, calm and friendly communication manner. Lastly, never interrupt a person who has dementia when he or she is trying to communicate an idea because this distraction may cause them to lose their train of thought. It may be helpful to supply a word that the person with dementia is struggling to find. Do not argue with the patient and rephrasing your question may help them better undertand.
