Communication doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Things like background noise or other distracting activities can make communication difficult.

• When you are talking to someone living with dementia they may find it difficult to concentrate, so find a quiet place, with few distractions.
• Turn off the television or radio if appropriate and try to prevent interruptions.
• Think about light, too. Can you both see each other clearly so that you can get visual clues to meaning?
• Keep people in familiar or comfortable surroundings if you can as this will minimise anxiety. Ask people where they will be most comfortable.