New research has revealed that nearly four in ten people actively avoid visiting relatives living with dementia. The primary reason, according to the study, is the difficulty of communication. In a poll of 2,000 adults, 37% said they were unsure how best to communicate with the person they were visiting, while 22% felt uncertain about how to behave or what to say.

Almost six in ten (57%) believed these barriers often prevent meaningful interactions with their loved one. The research also found that 53% fear the day their relative no longer recognises them, making this the number one concern among those surveyed. Additionally, 26% described seeing their relative as 'too painful'.

To support relatives, Care UK, which commissioned the research, has released a new guide, “Staying connected: A guide to dementia-friendly conversations”, featuring expert advice on how to approach a relative living with the condition, especially when they become confused.

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Jo Crossland, head of dementia and lifestyle at the nationwide care home provider, said: “When dementia progresses and the person living with it begins to exhibit more symptoms, it can be difficult for relatives and family carers to know what to do or say.

“We know just how challenging it can be to watch a loved one change in ways you don’t fully understand, which is why we want to show people you can still have meaningful interactions with relatives living with dementia by relaunching our Big Dementia Conversation.

“The best thing you can do is be patient and remember that they are still a person you care about – they may just be seeing and understanding the world a bit differently than before.”

The survey also found 38% of respondents lack confidence in their ability to interact with someone who has dementia.

The most challenging aspects ranged from having to repeat things (43%) and struggling to understand exactly what the person with dementia means (40%), to not being able to reference shared memories from the past.

To overcome these barriers, top methods cited were using simple, clear language, speaking slowly and calmly, and listening patiently without interrupting. Many also found being in a calm, quiet environment, and speaking to their loved one face-to-face helpful.

Yet, 67% of respondents had never received any guidance or training on how to interact with someone with dementia. And 62% agreed there currently isn’t enough support available for families affected by the condition, with 76% likely to seek out resources or advice to help improve their communication, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Key kinds of support they were looking for included guidance from dementia care professionals (52%) and support groups for family members (34%).

Jo Crossland added: “Awareness and understanding of dementia remains low, so people whose relatives have been diagnosed with the condition deserve to have access to the right resources to continue having a meaningful relationship with their loved ones.

“It is our hope that the new guide will be able to provide both information and comfort to people supporting loved ones with this condition and enable them to feel more confident during conversations.

“Our goal is to help break down the existing barriers to meaningful communication and ensure nothing stands in the way of families being together.”