Walking Side by Side - Finding Calm and Confidence in Conversation

When I first met a gentleman living with Alzheimer’s, conversation often felt like hard work. His family, though deeply caring, would jump in to fill the gaps when he struggled to find words. Their intentions were kind, but the interruptions left him frustrated and quiet.

Through observation and gentle curiosity, I began to notice how differently he communicated when we were walking side by side. Away from the pressure of eye contact, surrounded by birdsong and trees, his speech flowed more freely. The calm of nature seemed to give his thoughts time to gather and find form.

We made walking part of our routine - and he later invited his sons to join him. These simple walks became a bridge back to connection, confidence, and ease. The experience reminded me that communication is not just about words, but about presence, patience, and the power of slowing down together.

If you’re a family member wanting to reconnect or build confidence in communicating with your loved one, I offer gentle, practical guidance and sessions tailored to your needs. Get in Touch.
And if you’re a care provider looking to embed these approaches into staff practice, explore my dementia communication workshops and consultancy at www.franhamilton.co.uk.