Tips to support people living with dementia

A guide to ways in which people with dementia say good communication would improve their lives. This resource has been developed by the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee (DAAC). The national representative group made up of people living with dementia.

A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia through increased awareness and support.

Everyday Citizenship and People with Dementia prioritises the ordinary lives of people with dementia, and thereby broadens the agenda towards everyday citizenship. The contributors bring to the fore the idea that a person living with dementia has multiple opinions, identities and a stake in society.

Drawing on 20 years of experience, Tom and Karen Brenner explain the philosophy of the Montessori method, provide clearly-written steps to follow when applying it, and share a wealth of case studies and stories from their personal work using this method with people with dementia. This includes reading circles, art programmes, drum circles, poetry, and video diaries. Supported by research of the importance of creativity and the arts in dementia care, it is made clear throughout how every aspect of the Montessori method can help those with dementia to rediscover the world around them, maximising the opportunities they have to reconnect with their peers, family, friends, and support staff.

This book clearly explains what happens to communication as dementia progresses, how this may affect an individual's memory, language and senses, and how carers might need to adapt their approach as a result. Advocating a person-centred approach to dementia care, the author describes methods of verbal and non-verbal communication, techniques for communicating with people who can not speak or move easily, and strategies for communicating more effectively in specific day-to-day situations, including at mealtimes, whilst helping the person with dementia to bathe or dress, and whilst out and about.