Communication tools for people living with dementia

Experiencing a decline in the ability to communicate can be one of the most stressful things for people living with dementia, their loved ones and their carers. As dementia progresses, it gradually affects how a person communicates; often, it will become difficult for them to find the right words, struggle to understand what others are saying, or repeat words and behaviour. Because of this, people living with dementia will find it challenging to express any of their needs or wishes, which can lead to a reduced quality of life due to unmet needs and wishes. To combat this, loved ones or carers should consider communication aids to make it easier for people with dementia to pass on information effectively.

What are communication aids for dementia?

Communication aids for dementia are tools that allow individuals to express their message when verbal communication becomes challenging. These can include whiteboards, post-it notes, or video apps and devices.

How can communication aids benefit the quality of life of someone with dementia?

According to the Ageing and Mental Health Study, communication difficulties have a range of implications for people with dementia, such as problems with social interactions and maintaining relationships and increased challenging behaviour such as aggression. As humans, having the ability to communicate benefits us immensely as we can share information with others and build a strong bond, which directly has a positive effect on our well-being. Communication aids can bridge the gap between limited cognitive ability and their environment, making communication easier. It can reduce feelings of loneliness, support memory and day-to-day functioning and improve their quality of life.

The difference between low tech and high-tech communication aids

Low-tech communication aids are tools that are simple and inexpensive aids that don’t need electricity, such as dementia boards. On the contrary, high-tech communication aids are sophisticated and use electronic devices with customisable features and voice output like video apps. High-tech communication aids also include some assistive technology. 

Types of communication aids – low-tech: 

Whiteboards - can be helpful in communicating information when placed around the home. Carers can write information on them and update and adjust it as needed. They are a simple and easy way to remind people about important appointments, who will be visiting, or shopping lists.

Post-it notes - you can use post-notes anywhere in the house to remind you to complete a one-off task. For example, using a post-note on the fridge for when you need to take food out.

Photo albums - can help a carer get to know the person with dementia better, as they help with reminiscing and provide a sense of comfort. Engaging with a photo album with a person living with dementia can evoke meaningful conversations, encouraging them to share stories and experiences.

Types of communication aids – high-tech:

Online calendars - these are able to provide memory and communication support. They can offer visual and audio reminders for a range of things such as appointments, taking medications and daily tasks. Usually, they will feature pop-up alerts to remind people of a certain task they may need to do.

Video apps and devices - As a person's dementia progresses, they may struggle with verbal communication, but video calls can help with this as they are exposed to familiar faces and gestures, which makes communication easier to digest and understand. Electronic versions of low-tech communication tools can be used on devices, including electronic dementia boards, electronic notes and reminders.

Baby monitors - a way for caregivers to monitor their safety and wellbeing while communicating. People with dementia are prone to wandering and may need help but may have difficulty expressing themselves or calling for help. A baby monitor with audio and video means caregivers can check in and communicate with people remotely, without needing to be in the same room as them all the time.

Picture ID phones - a simple and effective way for people with dementia to stay connected. They usually feature large buttons with photos of their loved ones or caregivers so they can make calls easier without having to remember numbers, helping to reduce any confusion or frustration.

Expert help & advice

Seeking expert advice is a useful step towards improving communication and can be reassuring for carers to know they’re taking the right approach. Often, practitioners' experience is the most valuable, as they know what has worked for other individuals in similar situations.

There's lots to consider when looking after someone when caring for someone with dementia, but you aren’t alone, and there’s a lot of advice and support available.

If you feel like you need extra help and are looking for trained teams to support someone with dementia, we’re always here to help through our memory lane dementia communities at our care homes. You can speak to our friendly team today to find out more.

Alternatively, here is a list of organisations that can provide more information and support about good communication with a person with dementia.

• Demtalk
• Hearing link
• Institute of translation and interpreting
• Royal college of speech and language therapists