“Say This, Not That” for Dementia Communication

Share exact phrases that calm or redirect—and when you use them.

Templates (edit with your wording):

  • Reassure: “You’re safe here with me. Let’s have some tea.” (evening sundowning)
  • Validate + redirect: “I can see you’re worried about the mail. Let’s check it together after lunch.” (paranoia)
  • Routine cue: “First we have breakfast, then we feed the cat.” (mild-dementiamoderate-dementia)

:light_bulb: Add context (time of day, trigger, what didn’t work, what finally did).

** Ongoing wiki entry, members can add sections for wandering hallucinations #lewy-body-dementia, etc.