Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia: Navigating Social Interactions

Why Do People with Dementia Withdraw from Social Interaction?

Dementia can change the way a person interacts with the world around them. You might notice your loved one pulling away from conversations, avoiding social gatherings, or seeming less engaged when family and friends visit. This can be upsetting, especially when they’ve always been sociable. But their withdrawal isn’t personal—it’s often a way of coping with the changes they’re experiencing.

Understanding why this happens and how to support them can make a huge difference in keeping them connected and comfortable.

Why Do People with Dementia Avoid Social Situations?

There are many reasons why someone with dementia might withdraw from social interactions:

• Difficulty following conversations – They may struggle to keep up with fast-paced discussions, making social situations overwhelming.
• Memory loss – Forgetting names, faces, or past events can make them feel embarrassed or unsure of themselves.
• Confusion and frustration – If they can’t recall details or understand what’s being said, they might choose to avoid interactions altogether.
• Changes in confidence – Losing the ability to communicate as they once did can be discouraging, leading them to retreat rather than risk feeling exposed.

If your loved one is withdrawing, it’s not because they don’t want to see you—it’s because socialising has become difficult. Recognising this can help you adjust your approach to make interactions easier for them.

The Emotional Impact of Social Withdrawal

When a loved one with dementia starts pulling away, it can feel like a loss. Family members often struggle with feelings of sadness, rejection, or frustration, wondering why their loved one no longer seems interested in spending time together.

At the same time, the person with dementia may feel lonely and isolated, even if they’re the ones avoiding social situations. They might long for connection but find it too overwhelming to reach out.

This is why patience, reassurance, and small adjustments in how you interact can make such a big difference.

Managing Expectations in Social Interactions

One of the biggest challenges for family and friends is adjusting expectations. It’s natural to want things to be how they were—to have deep conversations, share memories, and enjoy each other’s company as before. But when dementia is involved, interactions change.

Instead of expecting them to remember stories or engage in long discussions, focus on small, meaningful moments:

• A simple smile or a shared laugh.
• Holding hands or sitting together quietly.
• Looking through a photo album and reminiscing.
• Listening to music they love.

Shifting your mindset from what they used to do to what they can still enjoy helps create more positive, stress-free interactions.

Communication Challenges and How to Work Around Them

Dementia affects communication in different ways. Some people struggle to find the right words, while others might not understand what’s being said. This can lead to frustration on both sides.

Here are a few ways to make conversations easier:

• Speak slowly and clearly – Give them time to process what you’re saying.
• Use short, simple sentences – Avoid complex questions or long explanations.
• Give visual cues – Pointing to objects or using facial expressions can help them understand.
• Ask fewer questions – Instead of, “What did you do today?”, try, “I went to the park today. It was lovely.” This invites them to engage without putting pressure on their memory.

Familiar activities can also help spark conversations. Looking at old photos, listening to music, or simply sitting together in a quiet setting can make interaction feel more natural.

How Children and Pets Can Help

Children and animals often have a magical effect on people with dementia. They bring joy, warmth, and companionship without expecting a conversation in return.

• Children – Kids don’t expect long discussions—they’re happy to play, colour, or simply sit with someone. Their energy and presence can be comforting and create lighthearted moments.
• Pets – Stroking a cat or watching a dog play can bring a sense of calm and happiness. Even if your loved one isn’t able to engage in conversation, the presence of an animal can provide comfort and connection in a stress-free way.

Encouraging visits from grandchildren or bringing in a therapy pet can be a wonderful way to reduce loneliness and create positive moments.

Practical Ways to Encourage Social Interaction

If your loved one has been withdrawing, here are some simple ways to make socialising easier for them:

• Keep visits short and calm – Long or loud gatherings can be overwhelming. Instead, aim for shorter, more peaceful visits with fewer people.
• Stick to familiar topics – Talking about their favourite hobbies, past experiences, or family stories can help them feel more engaged.
• Use visual aids – Photos, videos, and objects from their past can help trigger conversations.
• Encourage small group visits – One-on-one or small group interactions are often less stressful than big family gatherings.
• Engage in activities, not just conversation – Cooking together, doing a puzzle, or listening to music can create connection without the pressure of talking.

By making small adjustments, you can help them feel included and comfortable without forcing interactions they find difficult.

Making Family Visits More Enjoyable

Family visits can be tricky—sometimes they go well, other times they feel overwhelming for everyone involved. Here’s how to make them more positive:

1. Limit the number of visitors – Too many people at once can be confusing.
2. Prepare visitors in advance – Let them know what to expect and how best to interact.
3. Keep the environment calm – Avoid loud noises or crowded spaces.
4. Start with a warm greeting – A simple “It’s so good to see you” is better than asking, “Do you remember me?”
5. Avoid putting pressure on them to respond – If they don’t engage much, that’s okay. Just being together is valuable.

FAQs: Social Withdrawal in Dementia

How can I help my loved one feel more comfortable during visits?
Keep visits short, calm, and focused on familiar topics or activities they enjoy. Avoid overwhelming them with too many people or too many questions at once, as this can make them feel pressured or anxious.

What should I do if they seem uninterested or disengaged?
Don’t take it personally. Sometimes they might just be tired or having a difficult day. Try engaging them in a quiet activity rather than pushing for conversation, and be patient—it may take time for them to feel comfortable.

How can I make conversations easier for them?
Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and avoid memory-based questions. Sharing information rather than asking questions can take the pressure off and allow them to join in at their own pace without stress.

Are there specific activities that help with social engagement?
Yes! Looking through photo albums, listening to music, watching familiar films, or even gentle activities like gardening or baking can stimulate connection. These activities provide a sense of involvement without requiring too much verbal communication.

Where can I find more support?
There are dementia support groups, online communities, and organisations that offer advice and emotional support for Caregivers. Speaking to others in similar situations can provide reassurance and practical tips to help navigate the challenges of dementia care.

Jayne Vale

Jayne is a highly experienced dementia care specialist with over 17 years in the field. She began her career in 2004, progressing through roles such as hourly visiting carer, coordinator in the live-in care department, and lead dementia trainer. Jayne completed Specialist Practice in Dementia (Mental Health) at Worcester University and has developed bespoke dementia training for managers, carers, and family members.

Recognised for her contributions, Jayne received the National Dementia Care Personality award at the Great British Care Awards 2012. She has also been a speaker at numerous conferences and reviewed dementia-related publications.

Now with Unique Senior Care, Jayne works as a recruitment consultant, recruiting carers both in the UK and overseas, contributing to dementia training for both staff and families. Jayne’s dedication to compassionate, person-centred dementia care is evident in her extensive experience and numerous achievements.