What Do I Say Now? A Dementia Communication Guide for Family Caregivers

When your loved one keeps asking the same question, doesn’t want help bathing, or says “I want to go home,” another explanation may not help. Sometimes the next step is fewer words, a quieter room, a simpler task, or a break.

What Do I Say Now? is a 25-page printable dementia communication guide for family caregivers, created through an occupational therapy lens.

Each everyday scenario helps you:

• Check first: Consider discomfort, fatigue, confusion, or an unmet need.
• Say this: Try natural phrases that fit a family relationship.
• Adjust this: Make small changes to the task, routine, or surroundings.
• If it isn’t helping: Find a specific alternative.
• When to get help: Recognize concerns that need professional support.

Topics include mealtimes, bathing, dressing, repeated questions, anger and suspicion, late-day confusion, walking about, night waking, and family visits.

A quick-reference page helps you find your situation, while the “Getting to Know Your Loved One” worksheet helps family members and helpers share preferences and useful approaches.

The focus is on preserving dignity, choice, and independence while giving caregivers a practical starting point.

You don’t need to read it all at once. Turn to the page that fits the moment you’re in.

Includes: One 25-page PDF digital download. Save it to your device or print the pages you need. No physical product will be shipped.

For general education. Use alongside individual care plans and professional recommendations. Does not replace medical assessment, emergency care, or first-aid training.