What Your Body Says Before You Speak
Picture yourself chatting with a client while you stand. Are your feet planted side by side, or is one leg crossed over the other? Crossing your legs while standing usually shows that you feel comfortable with the other person. It also signals that you are interested in what they say, and it invites them to take their time.
Now picture a different moment. You notice your client rubbing the back of his neck. We often rub the back or sides of the neck when we feel stressed. If your client does this, pause and ask yourself what might feel stressful in the moment.
Small movements like these are body language. It is everything we communicate without speaking, from posture and gestures to facial expressions and eye contact. Understanding nonverbal communication in caregiving helps you recognize what your clients may be feeling, even when they cannot express it in words.
Does Your Body Back Up Your Words?
Your words and your body language should send the same message. If you say “I’m happy to help” with a tight jaw and a sigh, your client will believe the sigh. Mixed messages confuse anyone and can overwhelm a person living with dementia. When spoken words become harder to follow, body language often speaks louder.
Your clients read your body language all day long. A rushed movement or a tense face can raise their worry, while relaxed shoulders and a soft expression can ease it. If you feel frustrated, step away for a minute and take a few deep breaths.
Did you know? Psychologist Albert Mehrabian’s 1967 research is widely associated with the 7-38-55 rule. It suggests that when people interpret feelings and attitudes, words account for 7%, tone of voice for 38%, and facial expressions for 55% of the message.
Notice What Your Client Cannot Say
Many people with dementia struggle to find words, so their bodies often tell you what they cannot. Look for these signals:
- A furrowed brow or clenched fists can signal frustration or fear.
- Crossed arms or raised arms can signal frustration or a need for space.
- Rubbing hands together can show nervousness or a need to self-soothe. It can also mean your client feels cold.
- Wincing or guarding a body part can point to pain.
- Pacing or fidgeting often means restlessness or discomfort.
- Pulling away or turning their head can mean they feel overwhelmed.
- Steady eye contact and a relaxed face usually mean they feel at ease.
Body language tips for communicating with a client who has dementia
These dementia communication tips can help you use body language to support clearer communication and help your clients feel safe and respected.
- Approach from the front. Dementia changes how a person processes what they see and hear. Approaching from the front gives your client time to notice you and recognize who you are. A surprise from behind can startle them and spark fear.
- Get to their level. Sit or crouch so your eyes sit at or below theirs. Standing over someone can feel threatening. A lower position helps your client feel more in control of the interaction.
- Keep your arms relaxed and open. Crossed arms can look closed off or irritated even when you feel fine. Raised arms or hands thrown in the air can signal frustration and may alarm your client. Let your arms rest at your sides or keep your hands visible and loose so you look calm and approachable.
- Respect personal space. Standing too close can feel intimidating. Standing too far away can seem uncaring or uninterested. Avoid fidgeting or shifting your weight because restless movement can make your client feel rushed.
- Smile and keep your voice warm. A tense face can cause distress and make communication harder. A pleasant expression and a friendly tone help your client feel safe enough to respond.
- Offer touch carefully. A gentle pat on the hand or shoulder can comfort and reassure. Some people find touch invasive, so watch your client’s reaction first. Pull back if they stiffen or turn away.
- Pair gestures with words. Spoken sentences can be hard for a person with dementia to follow. A simple gesture such as pointing to the cup gives your client a visual clue that supports your message.
- Slow down and give time to respond. Processing slows as dementia progresses. Hurrying your client adds pressure and can lead to frustration. Pause and wait with a relaxed face so they know you are not rushing them.
- Give your full attention. Face your client and put down what you are holding. Distractions make it harder for them to focus on you. If background noise from the TV or other devices gets in the way, ask whether it is okay to turn it down.
At Caregiverlist, effective communication is a core competency in our caregiver training. By learning to recognize body language and use nonverbal communication, caregivers can better understand their clients’ needs and provide compassionate, person-centered care.
