What are the three golden rules of dementia?

1. Avoid Asking Direct Questions

It’s natural to ask questions in conversation, but for someone with dementia, this can be distressing. Memory loss makes it difficult to recall facts, and being repeatedly asked for information they cannot retrieve can lead to frustration and anxiety.

Instead of asking, “Did you eat breakfast today?”, which may leave them feeling pressured to remember, try a gentler statement like, “Here’s a cup of tea to go with your breakfast.” This removes any expectation of recall and allows them to feel at ease.

By adjusting how we phrase conversations, we can help reduce confusion and support a more relaxed interaction.

2. Listen Without Correcting

For someone with dementia, their perception of reality may no longer align with the present. They may talk about past experiences as if they are happening now or misremember details. Instead of correcting them, the best approach is to listen and acknowledge their feelings.

For example, if your loved one says, “I need to get ready for school,” instead of responding with “You haven’t been to school in years,” a more supportive response would be, “That sounds like a busy day ahead.” This validates their emotions without causing distress.

It may feel unnatural at first, but by prioritising their emotional well-being over factual accuracy, you create a sense of security and comfort.

3. Never Contradict

Contradicting someone with dementia can lead to confusion, agitation, or distress. Even when their statements are factually incorrect, challenging their perception often causes more harm than good.

If your loved one insists, “Mum is coming to visit today,” even though their mother passed away long ago, responding with “Mum must be thinking of you” is far more comforting than “Mum passed away years ago.” This approach helps avoid unnecessary upset and allows for a more peaceful conversation.

By stepping into their reality rather than forcing them into ours, we can help them feel safe and understood.

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that communication needs will change over time. Recognising these stages can help families adapt their approach and seek the right level of support.

Early-Stage Dementia:

• Occasional forgetfulness
• Struggling to find the right words
• Mild confusion in new environments

At this stage, small adjustments in communication can help maintain independence and dignity.

Middle-Stage Dementia:

• Increased memory loss, including difficulty recognising close family members
• Confusion about time and place
• Trouble managing daily tasks like cooking or personal hygiene

Many families begin considering professional home care support at this stage to ensure their loved one remains safe and comfortable.

Late-Stage Dementia:

• Severe memory loss
• Limited verbal communication
• Increased risk of falls and other health complications

At this point, full-time care is often needed to ensure safety and quality of life.

Caring for someone with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. As the condition progresses, professional dementia care can provide essential support for both the individual and their family.

How Home Instead Yeovil Can Help

At Home Instead Yeovil, we offer tailored dementia care services that allow individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home while receiving the support they need. Our caregivers are trained in dementia-specific techniques, including the SPECAL approach, to provide:

✅ Personalised Care Plans – Support tailored to individual needs and preferences.
✅ Companionship and Emotional Reassurance – Helping to reduce isolation and anxiety.
✅ Assistance with Daily Activities – Including personal care, medication reminders, and meal preparation.
✅ Respite for Family Carers – Providing much-needed breaks to prevent caregiver burnout.

If you are looking for compassionate, expert-led dementia care in Yeovil, we are here to help.