Beyond Words: Connecting When Language Fades

How do you stay connected when words start to slip away? In this episode, we explore the power of non-verbal, intuitive, and heartfelt communication with someone living with dementia. We sit down with Kim Babcock—a devoted caregiver and fierce advocate for her mom, Ruth — as she shares the creative and deeply meaningful ways she connects beyond traditional language.

Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or just curious about new ways to communicate, this episode will inspire you to listen, engage, and find connection in unexpected ways.

Credit:

Dementia Nation is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons Grant for Seniors and is produced by Kristin Bartlett and Kristine White, edited by Matthew Pencer and developed by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The music is produced by Matthew Pencer and Robin Dann, and musical guest Rick Levine. DementiaNation is hosted by Kristin Bartlett and Tracey Adams Thibaudeau,  Active Living Program Coordinators for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. A Special thanks to Kim Babcock for sharing your story about your beautiful relationship with Ruth.

If you are wondering how I can learn more about how to communicate more meaningfully with someone living with dementia, at AST we offer workshops, group and one-on-one counselling to support our clients to learn new communication skills. One example of where clients can learn these skills is our CARERS group, which is part of our Enhancing Care program. In CARERS the participants get to role-play recent real-life communication challenges they have encountered as a caregiver and try out different ways of engaging more meaningfully. If you want to learn more please visit our website www.alz.to and click on the learn tab to find our upcoming workshops.

Photo: Kim and Ruth Babcock