Dementia Together How to Communicate to Connect

Winner of two 2021 IBPA Gold Benjamin Franklin Awards for Self Help and for Psychology.

Dementia is an illness that causes no physical pain. But just ask anyone who cares about someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia if their heart isn’t aching. The pain in dementia comes from feeling hopeless, alone, or disconnected from loved ones—but a broken relationship can be healed.

This book is for family members and friends, for spouses, caregivers, and those who simply care. It outlines a path to a life with dementia that includes more life and less illness. With imagination, compassion, empathy, and quiet humor, the real-life stories in Dementia Together show you how to build a healthy dementia relationship.

Because there are ways to communicate that result in greater capacity to receive as well as to provide both warm connection and practical collaboration. Living with dementia gives everyone an opportunity to grow their hearts bigger. This book shows you how.

Pati Bielak-Smith is a certified trainer of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) methods with the international Center for Nonviolent Communication. While studying NVC, she spent five years as a private caregiver for people with dementia. Pati has since trained caregivers and supportive family members to connect to people living with dementia and, as a Dementia Champion with the Alzheimer’s Society, has facilitated dementia information sessions for the community. She has also worked as a meditation teacher and as a communication consultant. Pati is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and offers one-on-one therapy sessions online or in person through her private practice. 

Foreword Introduction Part One: Seeing Relationship 1• Acknowledging what’s there 2• Focusing imagination 3• Getting perspective 4• Committing to life Part Two: Tasting for Yourself 5• Practicing empathy 6• Feeding inner power 7• Savoring hurt, grief, and guilt Part Three: Listening With Heart 8• Being curious 9• Tuning in to anger and confusion 10• Asking questions 11• Staying in touch Endnote Epilogue