As dementia progresses, many care partners notice changes in communication.
The person may speak less than they used to. They may have difficulty finding the right words, following a conversation, or understanding what is being said. Sometimes, they may stop talking altogether.
For many families, this can be one of the most difficult changes to adjust to. After all, so much of our relationships are built through conversation.
But here's something I've learned over the years: connection is about so much more than words.
When having a conversation becomes difficult, it doesn't mean the relationship disappears. It means we need to find new ways to connect.
Music & Rhythm: A Different Way to Connect
For some people, music can be a wonderful bridge.
You might listen to songs together, sing along, sway to the rhythm, or even have a little dance in the living room.
Connection can also happen through rhythm. I remember supporting a teammate living with dementia who would often tap on the table. One day, I joined in. They tapped, I tapped back, and before I knew it we were communicating through rhythm. What struck me most was how they looked up and made eye contact. It felt like we were having a conversation, just without words.
Your teammate might enjoy creating rhythms too, whether by tapping on a table, clapping their hands, or through other movements. Why not use this as an opportunity to connect?
The Power of Play
Connection can also happen through play.
Throwing a balloon back and forth, playing basketball, bowling, or other aiming games can create moments of shared enjoyment and connection.
These activities allow the person to be present in the moment with you without relying on verbal communication.
The best part is that they don't need to be complicated. A cardboard box can become a basketball hoop. A soft ball, beanbag, or even a sealed bag filled with rice can become something to aim and throw.
It's not the activity itself that matters most, it's the shared experience.
A Different Way of Measuring a Visit
When conversation becomes less fulfilling than it once was, it can be tempting to focus on what has been lost.
Instead, perhaps we can ask a different question:
Did we connect?
Maybe connection looked like a shared song.
Maybe it looked like a smile.
Maybe it was a game played together.
Maybe it was a moment of eye contact.
Meaningful moments do not disappear when words become difficult. They simply take on new forms.
I'd Love to Hear From You
What strategies have helped you stay connected with a person living with dementia when conversation became more challenging?
Let's share our ideas and learn from one another. You never know, something that has worked for you might make a meaningful difference for another care partner.
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