Things to consider about body language
Sit or stand where the person can hear and see you as clearly as possible—generally, this will be in front of them so they can see your face. Dementia communication is also about body language, so it’s important to pay attention not only to the person’s gestures but also to yours. Try to be at eye level with them, not standing over them.
Being physically close to the person often helps in dementia communication, but make sure this closeness doesn’t make you or the person uncomfortable. You should make eye contact and clearly hear each other, as you would with anyone.
Prompts can help, for example, encouraging the person to hold an item you’re talking about or pointing at a photo of someone. Try to make sure your body language is relaxed and open.
I’ve got 2 neighbors who have dementia. Mel is verbal and John doesn’t know me. His wife is my best friend. I go over to see her a lot. I think he gets frustrated when we leave the room because she’ll tell me what is going on. Should we stay and talk later? My other neighbor doesn’t walk and her husband says she is total care now. It’s so sad because she is only 2 yrs older than me. Is there anything I should be doing for Mel?