Dementia - Carers - Body Language ...

Body Language ~ Non Verbal Communication

Some tips to help carers interpret what people living with dementia 

may be trying to communicate:

It is often argued that up to 93% of language is non-verbal communication ~ or body language. It is commonly known that body language can often display inner thoughts and emotions even if we don’t verbally express them. So, whilst professors, anthropologists and writers; Ray Birdwhistell [1918-1984], James Borg and Albert Mehrabien and many others have expressed and continue lengthy theories and debates on the topic, let’s put some of it to use.

For people living with dementia, experiencing memory loss, lack of cognition and the ability to reason, it is most likely that it is also difficult to communicate key needs and wants to the people who are caring for them. 

It is important for family, friends, carers and volunteers to be extra vigilant in their observation of people living with dementia. Following some of the tips below may help you as a carer, be better placed when grasping communication signs. Unable to express themselves verbally, people with dementia may show signs of agitation, frustration or even bang or slam items for attention. 

• People communicate on many levels; facial expressions, eye contact, posture, hand or feet movements, body posture and movement are just a few.  Appearance and the way people walk toward you are other indicators of how a person is interacting with you. 

• Every non-verbal gesture communicates something. 

• Maintain plenty of eye contact - Try to listen with your eyes. 

• Practice watching people’s nonverbal communication. 

• Observe repeated behaviour to see if there are any links to something that might be missing from the person’s daily life. 

• Be a detective - Try to work out if the person you care fore is attempting to indicate specific needs.

• Ask family and friends for an insight into work, hobbies, likes, dislikes. 

• Maintain a calmness in your voice - don’t shout.

• Simple activities may help to calm agitation or stave boredom but always check if the person is tiring.

• Paying more attention to body language may help you to interact with the person; encourage activity and improve a sense of well-being.

Gillian Hesketh MA 2013©