Communication and Connection

About This Topic

This topic explores how communication changes in dementia can affect a person’s ability to stay socially engaged and connected, and how simple strategies can help.

Throughout the session, you and your team will follow the story of Arjay, 53, recently diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. Arjay works as a courier, enjoys his gardening club and is known as a witty storyteller. His experiences provide a consistent thread through each activity and discussion.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Recognise how dementia affects communication and connection
• Understand how person-centred strategies can support communication and connection
• Identify the range of supports speech and language pathologists can provide

How to Prepare

1. Read the Facilitator Guide alongside the Interactive Training Tool, working through both together so you’re familiar with the flow, animations and interactive elements before running the session.
2. Download the Tips for Communication and Connection A4 poster and A6 quick reference card, then share them with your team after the session.
3. Make sure you can access this web page during your session so you can show the Interactive Training Tool below – on a laptop or tablet, a projector and screen, or a screen-sharing setup for virtual meetings.