Body Language Is an Important Part of Dementia Care
As dementia progresses, communicating through words can become more difficult.
A person may struggle to find the right words, explain how they feel, or tell you what they need.
Sometimes, they may communicate through non-verbal ways like body language instead.
The way they look at you, move their hands, position their body, or respond to your presence can give you clues about how they may be feeling or what they may need.
For caregivers, learning to notice these signals can make everyday interactions a little easier and help you respond with greater understanding.
Beyond the Words
Imagine asking your loved one if they are okay, but they don't answer.
Instead, they become quiet, look away, or hold their arms tightly across their body.
There may be a reason behind this.
Perhaps they are feeling anxious. Maybe something in the environment is overwhelming them. They could be uncomfortable or simply unsure about what is happening.
For instance, a gesture such as crossed arms usually accompanies feelings of anxiety or discomfort. When they show that to you, you can ask yourself what happened before the behavior appeared. Did someone enter the room? Did you ask them to do something unfamiliar? Did you change their routine? Are they tired or uncomfortable? What might they be trying to tell me?
Body language is more than a single gesture. Instead of trying to give one specific meaning to every movement, look at the person's overall behavior and the situation around them.
Pay attention to changes in their:
Facial expressions
Eye contact
Hand movements
Posture
Movement
Personal space
Voice and sounds
Your Body Speaks Too
There is another side to this: your loved one is also watching you.
When words become harder to understand, your facial expression, movements, and posture can become an important part of the message you are sending.
For example, imagine approaching someone while looking stressed, moving quickly, and speaking loudly. Even if your words are reassuring, your body may be sending a different message.
Now imagine approaching slowly, facing them, keeping a relaxed posture, and speaking gently.
The words may be exactly the same, but the interaction can feel very different.
When you're providing care, try to keep your body language open and calm. Face the person when speaking, avoid sudden movements, and give them time to respond.
You don't have to get every interaction right. Caregiving can be stressful, and caregivers naturally have moments when they feel tired or frustrated. The important thing is to be aware of the signals you are sending to each other.
This article was made by Elder Love USA.
As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care.
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