ESL WORKSHEET - Dementia care

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

SUPPORTING DIGNITY IN DEMENTIA

LinguaHouse

Sep. 7, 2026

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Behavior, Feelings and Emotions; Health and Well-being; Medicine, Biology and Health; Education, Teaching and Learning; People and Places; Psychology; Article Based; Speaking; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 09/07/2026

Students explore person-centered dementia care. They discuss caregiving challenges, listen for key statistics and concepts (personhood), learn and practice topic vocabulary and collocations, read for gist and detail, and apply strategies through discussion and a role-play scenario. (by Celia Page)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Speaker: Caring for a family member with dementia can feel like a very difficult journey. It is a global challenge; currently, 57 million people are living with dementia worldwide, with a new case diagnosed every 3 seconds. In the U.S. alone, there are 6 million cases, and experts predict these rates will double by the year 2060.
Dementia often starts with slow, small changes in thinking and how a person handles daily tasks. So, how do we actually help someone while keeping their 'personhood' alive? This concept of focusing on the individual was first introduced back in the 1990s. The best approach is called 'person-centered care.' This isn't just about medicine; it's about the person’s heart and mind.
One of the most important things is to foster attachment. By maintaining a strong emotional connection, you help them feel safe. You should also focus on inclusion, making sure they are still part of daily life and family conversations so they don't feel left behind.
It is also helpful to give them a simple occupation. In this context, it doesn't mean a professional job, but a meaningful task that makes them feel useful. When they are confused, don't just correct their facts — instead, try to validate their feelings. Show them that their ideas are understandable and acceptable.
Communication can be tricky. You might notice a withdrawal where the person stops joining in or avoids others. This often happens if they feel 'put on the spot.' For example, asking 'Do you remember what you ate?' can feel like a test. Instead, try to provide a gentle prompt, like suggesting a word or a name to help them finish their sentence. The key is to find the sweet spot. This is the perfect middle ground where you give enough support to empower them, but not so much that they stop trying for themselves.
Finally, we need to break the stigma around dementia. There is no shame in this illness, and we must move past these negative beliefs. Even when the disease is advanced, people still respond to a kind voice and a gentle touch. By focusing on the person rather than the problem, we can make the journey much better for everyone.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/medical-english/supporting-dignity-in-dementia. Accessed on September 14, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.