In Conversation with Dr. Lisa Woodman on Person-Centered Dementia Care

Too many conversations about dementia start with what’s lost. Memory, independence, routine. But the truth is dementia doesn’t erase the person; it changes how we need to reach them. Behind every diagnosis is a lifetime of experiences, preferences, habits, and identity that still shape how someone thinks, feels, and responds. The challenge for caregivers and families isn’t just managing symptoms; it’s learning how to connect differently.

Seeing the person, not the condition, shifts everything. It means listening beyond words when communication becomes difficult. It means stepping into their reality instead of correcting it. It means using familiar stories, routines, and emotions as anchors for meaningful interaction. When a former teacher shares advice or a parent talks about raising young children, those moments aren’t confusion, they’re connection points.

This approach doesn’t just improve care; it preserves dignity. It reduces stress, builds trust, and creates a sense of comfort in an otherwise unpredictable experience. Because even as memory fades, the need to feel understood, respected, and valued never does.

To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring her perspective on seeing the person with dementia, not the condition.

Let us now delve into what she has to say about seeing the person with dementia, not the condition:

Question 1: What, in your opinion, can caregivers do to support seniors with dementia?

Listen to their story and understand their individuality. Refer to the main highlights in their life and be sure to ask questions they may be able to answer (NEVER ask “Do you remember?”). For example, if someone was a painter, ask him for advice on how to best choose the correct paint for a bedroom you are about to paint at home? Let him lead the conversation and take it wherever it leads: favourite colours, best job/project, etc.

Question 2: Do persons living with dementia need to make certain lifestyle changes for minimizing the impact? 

Anything that encourages new learning is beneficial as it assists in laying down new neural pathways in the brain, e.g., learning to dance, learning to play a card game. Anything that takes practice will help; however, it cannot be too complex, depending on the stage of dementia progression.

Sticking to routines is crucial. For example, when they get out of bed in the morning, do they go to the toilet and then put the kettle on? Where do they get dressed, etc.

Maintaining social circles is also important; isolation only compounds problems of dementia.

Question 3: How should family members and caregivers communicate with people living with dementia?

Speak about the past, talk about the favorite places they visited, favorite foods, never argue (if they say the sky is purple, why does it matter if it isn’t), orient as they approach, such as, “Hi dad, it’s Tuesday today, so thought I’d drop in as your favorite daughter (name) …..”

Question 4: Do caregivers and family members need to take certain steps to make the elderly’s house dementia friendly?

Ensure floors are free from busy patterns of contrast. Black patches on white will look like holes, fine black lines that contrast against a background may look as if the lines are moving.  Make sure there are clear signs for finding the toilet, the kitchen, and the living room, if necessary. If there are steps, place bright yellow non-slip tape on the edge of each one to assist in defining when depth changes. At some point, it may be necessary to have gas and power to hotplates, etc. disconnected. Temperature regulators on taps may be necessary to ensure the reduced risk of scalding.

Question 5: What advice do you give to caregivers dealing with older adults that have dementia?

• Patience is essential, as is active listening. Listen carefully to what they may be trying to say when word-finding becomes difficult. Look for other cues, such as restlessness after a meal, that may indicate they are looking for the toilet.
• Provide 20 minutes of direct sunlight in the morning, even if through a window, to assist with recognizing the day/night cycle.
• Allow a nap up to 90 minutes long in the early afternoon to prevent any exhaustion in the late afternoon (often termed ‘sundowners’, which is no longer an acceptable term).
• If someone likes to walk without an obvious purpose, take them for a walk, maybe down the street, around the park, or somewhere else that will not be overstimulating (a busy shopping center is not a good idea).
• Never argue: it can’t be emphasized enough. If they are appearing stressed, acknowledge that they are stressed. If they are looking for the children, reflect on the habits the children had, not that the children have all grown up now.
• Do not leave them in front of live TV where loud advertisements and/or news headlines appear. Often, a loud headline can create confusion and stress, such as a house fire reported on the news becomes their belief that someone they know was in the house on fire or that it is their house. Be careful of the movies for the same reason: no horror movies, etc.

In conclusion

Caring for someone with dementia isn’t about correcting reality; it’s about meeting them where they are. As Dr. Lisa Woodman highlights, small, thoughtful shifts in communication, environment, and daily routines can transform both care quality and emotional well-being. 

When caregivers focus on connection over correction, routines over rigidity, and dignity over control, they create moments that truly matter. Dementia may change how memories are accessed, but it doesn’t erase identity. The opportunity lies in honoring that identity, every single day, through patience, empathy, and meaningful engagement.