Tips for dementia-friendly 1-2-1 conversations and interviews

We identified these tips through desktop research, a survey of 30 people living with dementia and their carers, and a review of the resulting draft list by an additional 10 people with dementia. Contributors included the Ladies Healthy Memories Activity Group in Peterborough and a member of the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group in Wales.

1. Find out about the person in advance

Do your research and then introduce yourself. You might exchange one page profiles or use 'This is me' leaflets.

People are all different. The people asking questions need to know who they’re talking to and how they can work with that person in the best possible way.

2. Help people to feel at ease

It’s important to meet in a place where both parties feel comfortable. That might mean meeting somewhere other than an office like a café or at somebody’s home. The important issue is that the individual has some input in the meeting place.

You may also ask the individual if they would like to have a friend with them, or near by them.

3. Explain that it's not a test

Some people will need reassurance that you're only there to hear about their lived experiences, and that there is no right or wrong way to share this.

One of our survey respondent said, 'I sometimes worry my answer will be wrong.'

4. Be patient and give the person plenty of time to respond

Our respondents made it clear that without patience at the heart of the interview process, the research wouldn’t get very far.

It’s important to be aware that everyone processes questions in their own way and at their own pace, including people with dementia:

‘I liken it to translating a sentence in a foreign language. You know the language but just have to translate it into English before you can answer.’

5. Find clear ways to remind people of your questions

The person may become emotional and want to digress. It can be helpful to gently guide them back to the original question using visual and verbal cues.

Some of our survey respondents said, they ‘might have a burning desire to find something out' or to 'let something off' and follow a particular trial of thought.

‘I go off on a bit of a tangent and then forget the question.'

It’s therefore a good idea to have the questions written down.

6. Consider carefully before rephrasing questions or using prompts

Our respondents gave some very clear advice:

Wait until the person with dementia asks. Never presume that if someone has dementia they won’t understand.

Some were supportive of ‘prompts but not answers (a hint!)’

There are pros and cons to rephrasing interview questions based on individual needs and responses: 'It does help the person, but not the data.'

7. Be alert to people's needs 

Does the person need a break? Or to finish early?

Some people with dementia need to use the toilet urgently.

Talking with you may require concentration and become tiring.

Sometimes, when it’s tiring, we answer anything just so that it goes quicker.