Non-verbal Communication

When a person has dementia, they may become more sensitive to non-verbal cues or have difficulties reading and interpreting your body language.

For example, moving quickly, rushing personal care, changes in your tone of voice or a having a tense or sad facial expression can upset or distress a person with dementia, even if the words you are saying are not distressing.

It is important for you to build upon your skills of self awareness and think how your resident may be interpreting your communication with them.