Gentle Engagement Techniques for People Dealing with Dementia

Six Gentle Engagement Techniques for People Dealing with Dementia

By: Misha Jacobs, BS, CTRS 

Patience and gentleness can be invaluable skills when engaging people with dementia, especially elders. Starting off with a warm and welcoming approach will increase the odds that your loved one/client feels safe and accepted. This will help create countless opportunities for joyful moments and improve quality of life.

A few techniques to try:

1. Body language is very important, so try to maintain a non-threatening posture. Show your hands in greeting from a distance and sit or stand beside your loved one/client companionably. Wait for an invitation to touch and engage in someone’s personal space.
2. Active listening and repeating what your loved one/client has to say and how they say it, regardless of whether it makes sense to you, will help make the speaker feel heard. This will encourage them to open up and increase their participation and engagement in the future.
3. Genuine interest in what your loved one/client is trying to communicate will promote feelings of partnership and relaxation. Focus on what your loved one is noticing during your interactions. This will greatly strengthen your connection, as they will see that you recognize what is important to them.
4. Simple communication can benefit both the listener and speaker. Ask yes or no questions or offer one or two options. This will allow your loved one/client to feel empowered and in control. Keep options simple, doable, and use as few words as needed.
5. Remain in the moment, take the interaction step by step, and follow your loved one’s lead. If safe, try to honor their impulses. Rather than having a solid plan that you are focused on accomplishing, have a few ideas in mind and be willing to go with the flow.
6. Accept that you may have better luck with multiple short interactions, rather than one long engaging experience. Sometimes short and sweet is best.