Speaking Dementia: Communication That Connects

Learn simple, practical ways to communicate with someone living with dementia to reduce frustration and create more meaningful connections.
About this Event

When dementia changes the way a person understands, processes, and responds to the world around them, everyday conversations can become challenging. The words that once worked may no longer work—and both the person living with dementia and the caregiver can become frustrated.

In this session of BCN Presents: Navigating Dementia, we’ll explore practical communication techniques that can make everyday interactions easier and more meaningful.

Participants will learn how dementia affects communication, why correcting or reasoning may sometimes make a situation more difficult, and how simple changes in words, tone, body language, and approach can make a difference. We’ll also practice ways to respond to repeated questions, confusion, resistance, and other common communication challenges.

The goal isn't perfect communication. It's learning how to meet the person where they are, reduce frustration, and create more moments of understanding and connection.

This class is designed for family caregivers, friends, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively and compassionately with a person living with dementia.

Presented by Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) as part of the Navigating Dementia community education series.