Dementia Hub
At Companionship Services Ltd, we’re proud to be dementia-friendly trained and experienced in supporting individuals living with dementia and their families. While we’re not clinical experts, our team offers understanding, patience, and connection — creating inclusive spaces that respect each person’s unique journey. Here, you’ll find helpful information, gentle guidance, and a community that truly cares.
Dementia Friendly Communication
Talking to someone living with dementia can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you're unsure what to say or how to respond. But meaningful connection is absolutely possible — and often easier than it seems. With a little patience and a few simple communication tips, you can help create supportive, respectful moments that truly brighten someone’s day. 🧠 Key Principles of Dementia-Friendly Communication including practical tips: 1. Be Patient •Give the person time to respond—processing may take longer. •Avoid finishing their sentences unless they ask for help. •Stay calm, even if they repeat themselves or lose track. 2. Speak Clearly and Calmly •Use short, simple sentences. •Speak slowly and at a moderate volume. •Use a warm, friendly tone to reduce anxiety. 3. Use Names and Context •Use the person’s name to keep their attention. •Reintroduce yourself if needed: “Hi John, it’s Sarah" •Refer to people and places by name instead of saying “he” or “there.” 💬 Practical Conversation Tips ✔️ Ask Simple, Open Questions •Try: “Would you like tea or coffee?” instead of “What would you like to drink?” •Use yes/no questions if they’re struggling with choices. ✔️ Support with Visuals or Gestures •Pointing, showing photos, or offering objects can help understanding. •If discussing activities: “Would you like a walk?” while motioning toward the door. ✔️ Focus on Emotions, Not Accuracy •Don’t correct mistaken memories unless it causes distress. •Go along with their reality if it keeps them happy and safe. •Acknowledge their feelings: “That sounds like it was really special.” 🚫 What to Avoid •Don’t talk down or use baby talk—preserve their dignity. •Don’t argue or contradict—it causes frustration. •Don’t rush them—feeling pressured can make communication harder. 🌟 Conversation Starters That Work Well •“Tell me about your favourite music.” •“What was your first job?” •“What kind of pets have you had?” •“Have you always lived around here?”
💭 Understanding Behavioural Changes in Dementia
Behaviour changes are common for people living with dementia — and often not what they used to show before diagnosis. These shifts may be confusing, unsettling, or difficult to navigate, especially for family, friends, and carers. But they are usually expressions of unmet needs, emotions, or confusion rather than intentional behaviour. Responding with empathy and patience can help reduce distress and create a more supportive, dignified environment. 🛑 Aggression Why It Happens: Aggressive behaviour may be triggered by fear, pain, confusion, or a perceived threat. The person may feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings or unable to communicate discomfort. Ways to Respond: ✔️ Stay calm and keep a safe distance ✔️ Use a soft tone and relaxed body language ✔️ Reassure the person they are safe and supported ✔️ Avoid confrontation — give space if needed ✔️ Reduce environmental stressors (e.g. noise, crowding) 🚫 Don’t argue or restrain unless absolutely necessary for safety 😢 Crying Why It Happens: Tearfulness can be linked to confusion, loneliness, grief, or simply frustration with memory loss. Sometimes, the reason may not be immediately clear but is emotionally felt. Ways to Respond: ✔️ Offer comfort and quiet companionship ✔️ Use gentle touch or soothing words: “You’re not alone” ✔️ Sit together and validate their feelings without needing to solve them ✔️ Redirect attention slowly — suggest a comforting routine like tea or soft music 🚫 Don’t dismiss crying as “just part of dementia” — emotional support matters 😡 Anger Why It Happens: Anger may reflect internal frustration — especially when thoughts or words don’t come easily, or routines are disrupted. It can also be linked to fear or feeling misunderstood. Ways to Respond: ✔️ Stay patient and listen with openness ✔️ Avoid reacting defensively — allow the emotion to pass ✔️ Acknowledge the feeling: “That sounds really frustrating” ✔️ Offer a calm distraction: “Let’s step outside for some fresh air” 🚫 Don’t escalate or attempt to reason with logic during the moment 🙈 Sexualised/Inappropriate Behaviour Why It Happens: Changes in judgement or social understanding may lead to behaviour that appears sexual or socially inappropriate. It’s usually not intentional or meant to cause harm — often just confusion or miscommunication. Ways to Respond: ✔️ Maintain dignity — stay calm and discreet ✔️ Redirect gently: “Let’s get you comfortable with a cuppa” or if necessary "I enjoy spending time with you, but only in a friendly, (professional) way." ✔️ Move to a comfortable distance and redirect ✔️ Avoid shaming — it can increase distress but consider calm but firmly ✔️ Consider if unmet intimacy or affection needs might be behind it 🚫 Don’t respond with embarrassment or harsh words 🔁 Repetitive Questions or Actions Why It Happens: Repetition can be a form of seeking comfort, coping with anxiety, or trying to remember. It may also reflect a loss of time awareness or an effort to stay engaged. Ways to Respond: ✔️ Answer patiently, even if asked many times ✔️ Provide visual cues — calendars, signs, or written reminders ✔️ Offer reassurance: “Everything’s okay” ✔️ Use distraction with familiar tasks or music ✔️ Acknowledge the feeling behind the question rather than correcting 🚫 Don’t point out that they’ve already asked — this may increase distress 🕊️ Embracing Pauses and Silence Pauses in conversation may feel uncomfortable at first, but they can be incredibly powerful when communicating with someone living with dementia. Processing takes time — and silence can give space for thoughts, memories, or simply comfort in being present together. You don’t always need to fill the silence with words; quiet moments often speak volumes. 🌼 Tips for Navigating Pauses Gently ✔️ Allow time for processing • After asking a question, wait patiently — count silently if needed • Don’t rush to fill the space; they may still be forming a response ✔️ Use your presence • Smile, offer warm eye contact, or gentle touch if appropriate • Just being there without pressure builds trust and safety ✔️ Keep the environment calm • Minimise distractions during moments of silence • Soft background music or nature sounds can help maintain comfort ✔️ Rephrase or return later • If a response doesn’t come, try again gently: “Shall I ask that again later?” 🚫 What to Avoid • Don’t jump in with answers too quickly • Don’t show frustration — it can increase anxiety • Don’t assume silence means disinterest or inability
🧠 Preventing Carer's Burnout
Carer burnout is a serious concern when supporting someone living with dementia, particularly over the long term. Compassion fatigue, emotional strain, and physical exhaustion can creep in unnoticed. Here’s a holistic and practical approach to preventing burnout — with Companionship Services playing a integral role in early intervention and support. 🧠 How Carers Can Avoid Burnout When Supporting Someone with Dementia 1. Start with Early Support: Don’t Wait for a Crisis Many carers delay getting help until they feel overwhelmed. Instead, bring in support early — especially during the early to mid-stages of dementia— when routines can still be established and trust built. ✅ Enter: Companionship Services Prevention-focused: Offering light support, shared interests, and companionship early can keep the person with dementia mentally engaged and emotionally settled. Person-centred: Matching companions to individual preferences (e.g. music, outings, gentle activities). Respite for families: While a companion spends time with the person living with dementia, family carers can take a breather, rest, or catch up on their own life and responsibilities. 📞0800 0025 035 2. Build a Circle of Support Don’t go it alone. Create a team — both informal (family, friends, neighbours) and formal (GPs, support workers, community nurses, dementia advisors). Family Meetings: Regular check-ins to share updates and responsibilities. Peer Support Groups: Share experiences with others going through the same journey — many find strength and ideas in connections. Visit local carer cafe's or meetings. Online Forums & Helplines: Alzheimer's Society, Dementia UK, and Carers UK all offer advice and emotional support. 3. Make Use of Day Centres and Social Groups Day care centres for people living with dementia provide: Structured, stimulating environments (crafts, music, memory games) Trained staff who understand the needs and risks Breaks for carers to rest, work, or handle errands Look for centres that offer transport or half-day options to ease the transition. 4. Protect Your Own Health You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your wellbeing matters too. Sleep: Prioritise rest wherever possible. Nutrition: Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated. Exercise: Even short walks or yoga can reduce stress and improve mood. GP Check-ups: Let your doctor know you’re a carer — they can monitor your health and connect you to support services. 5. Use Flexible Respite Services Respite isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Explore: Short stays in residential care homes (pre-booked or emergency) Home-sitting services from trained carers Companionship Services for flexible, consistent weekly breaks 6. Set Boundaries Without Guilt Burnout often starts with overextension. Be clear: -What you can realistically do - When you need help or a break - That asking for support is not failure — it’s sustainability 7. Plan Ahead Uncertainty increases stress. Use early-stage time to: - Discuss future care wishes - Organise legal and financial matters - Create memory books or life stories for continuity 🧩 Carer’s Survival Toolkit (Quick Ideas) Use a shared calendar for appointments and breaks Keep a journal or mood tracker Download dementia-friendly activity ideas Treat yourself with the same compassion you show your loved one
Free downloadable and printable version of our Carer-Burnout Prevention Guide
💦 Staying hydrated
Good hydration is so important for people living with dementia and we know that achieving this can be a challenging area.
One product that we have seen first-hand helping with this is Jelly Drops. They're sugar-free 'sweets', made of 95% water with added electrolytes & vitamins and are specifically designed to help with fluid intake.
You can read more and find out how to buy them here.
Other Support Services
There are many Support Services out there for you to get professional and guided support and information. Here we just Highlight a few that we come across and know to be of good further guidance.
Dementia UK - Admiral Nurse Support
