The important thing in communication…
The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said.
This is so true for understanding with people with dementia. We need to be aware of their body language so we can see what we don’t hear. We have to watch for subtle responses. These subtle responses (tone of voice, posture, or where the person is looking) can even contradict what they say. If a person struggles to get their ideas out, what the person truly means to say may be everywhere except in their words. We have to listen. Listen not just with our ears, but with our eyes and our hearts….