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  • Meeting the emotional needs of people living with dementia

Meeting the emotional needs of people living with dementia

Meeting the emotional needs of people living with dementia can be hard.

Often a person can have trouble expressing themselves, which may lead to frustration as a result. The best thing to remember is that each person is an individual, and all behaviour is a means of communication, how you respond in any situation should be personal to the individual – this is often called person-centred approach, or personally tailored care.

Approaching difficult conversations

Meeting-emotional-needsCommunication can be difficult for both the person living with dementia and those caring. 

For example, someone could be asking to see a relative who is no longer alive, and it is hard to know how best to respond when you don’t want to upset or challenge the person who may be living with a different sense of reality. Telling the blatant truth could cause significant distress. Distracting them could also leave the person more confused and frustrated.

Focus on the emotions being expressed

In this difficult situation it helps to focus on the emotions being expressed rather than the facts of the situation, and acknowledge what the person might be feeling, for example, “I can see you look upset, can I sit with you for a while and you can tell me about your mum”.

By showing that you recognise their emotions and exploring why they are asking for that relative, you can help them to feel supported and secure, allowing space and time to explore what you might be able to do to reassure and help. The better you know the person, the less complex this is to deal with.

Look for the meaning behind the words

In any circumstance, to begin to understand what that person might be saying, first try to consider the context of the question being asked. Look beyond what the person is saying to find the meaning behind the words and try to the identify the need they may be expressing.

Look after yourself as well as your loved one

Caring for loved ones with dementia can be challenging as well as fulfilling, and it is important to have time to recharge and look after yourself too.

There will be frustrations, perhaps on both accounts, but remembering the individual and taking time to acknowledge and validate what they are feeling is important.

You can find more information and details of charities set up to provide support for people living with dementia, as well as their carers, in our Reframing Dementia guide here.

Related information about dementia

Reframing Dementia - a guide to living with dementia

Reframing Dementia - a guide to living with dementia

As a nation we are remarkably reluctant to think and talk about dementia, but a conversation is a vital starting point to prepare ourselves for what might come in later life. Read our guide.

What is dementia?

What is dementia?

Dementia is the term used to describe a group of symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Find out more about dementia.

Spotting the early signs of dementia

Spotting the early signs of dementia

It is important to understand that dementia affects people in different ways. Find out more about the possible symptoms and signs of dementia to be aware of.

How to start positive conversations about dementia

How to start positive conversations about dementia

Discussing dementia can seem like a daunting prospect but using the right questions and conversation starters can help families begin important conversations in a positive manner.

How to get a diagnosis of dementia

How to get a diagnosis of dementia

There is advice and support available for people with dementia, a diagnosis can ensure you have access to the right information to help you plan for your future.

Supporting loved ones living with dementia

Supporting loved ones living with dementia

Being diagnosed with dementia can be a daunting and upsetting time, and the support of close family and friends is invaluable – in addition to knowing which experts to turn to for support.

Meeting the emotional needs of people living with dementia

Meeting the emotional needs of people living with dementia

Meeting the emotional needs of people living with dementia can be hard. Often a person can have trouble expressing themselves, which may lead to frustration as a result.

Dietary recommendations for people with dementia

Dietary recommendations for people with dementia

Sometimes people with dementia can have a poor appetite or lose interest in food altogether. Find out more about the different ways you can help boost appetite and encourage a person to enjoy meals.

Activities for people living with dementia

Activities for people living with dementia

People living with dementia should have access to a wide range of carefully considered individual and group activities, with plenty of opportunity to socialise with others. Find out about the importan

Adapting living environments for people with dementia

Adapting living environments for people with dementia

It’s important to create safe and supportive environments where people living with dementia can live comfortably, maintain their independence and not feel restricted in any way. Find out more.

Dementia care options

Dementia care options

If a person’s dementia means that they need specialist dementia care or support and are no longer able to live independently in their own home, there are lots of different care options available.

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