Enhancing Communication and Connection

For individuals living with dementia and the carers who support them whether family members, friends, or professional care staff, the journey can be deeply challenging.

The experience is often marked by emotional strain, frustration, and a profound sense of uncertainty. As dementia progresses and cognitive abilities begin to decline, it can become increasingly difficult for individuals to express themselves and interact with the world around them. In parallel, carers may find it increasingly difficult to communicate effectively and maintain a meaningful connection with their loved one or client.

At this critical point, the principles and techniques of improvisation can serve as a powerful and compassionate tool to support both the individual living with dementia and those who care for them. Improvisation is not about performance or comedy, it is a communication method rooted in presence, adaptability, and deep listening. These skills are essential when navigating the complex and often unpredictable nature of dementia care.

It has only recently come to wider attention that the foundational principles of improvisation align almost identically with best-practice approaches for engaging with individuals living with dementia. These shared principles emphasise acceptance, empathy, flexibility, and collaboration qualities that lie at the heart of person-centred care.

While some healthcare settings, such as general practitioner (GP) training programmes, have begun to incorporate improvisation into their communication training, this approach remains notably absent in the residential care sector and among informal carers. Care home staff, as well as family members supporting a loved one with dementia, are rarely offered the opportunity to learn and apply this transformative approach. Yet they stand to benefit immensely from the confidence, insight, and communication skills it fosters.

There are no rigid rules when it comes to communicating with someone living with dementia or cognitive impairment. Every individual’s experience is unique, and effective care must be flexible and person-centred. However, there are proven guidelines that can support carers in creating more meaningful and positive interaction guidelines that also ensure the individual feels respected, engaged, and understood.

During this workshop, we will explore and practise key principles drawn from both improvisation and dementia care:

Do not argue with the individual.
Accept the reality presented to you by the individual.
Recognise that silence can be powerful.
Respond with “Yes, and...” to build on what has been shared.
Listen fully and without judgment.
Be clear and specific in your communication.
Go with the flow.

By adopting and applying these principles, carers can:

Open alternative avenues for communication, especially for individuals who struggle with verbal expression.
Create a more engaging and stimulating experience for the person living with dementia.
Help reduce anxiety, agitation, and frustration by responding calmly and supportively.
Positively influence the individual’s mood and overall sense of well-being.
Support individuals to remain connected to their environment and community, reducing the risk of isolation and emotional withdrawal.

Improvisation is not a cure, but it is a deeply effective approach to enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia and for those who care for them.

This workshop invites you to explore these principles in practice and to discover new, empathetic ways of connecting and communicating.

I look forward to welcoming you and working together to make dementia care more creative, compassionate, and person-centred