Empathic Listening is listening to the client’s perspective. Listening through the words – for important messages. It’s really trying to understand what the person with dementia shares and then sharing that back to them to ensure you have understood correctly. This shows that you are truly paying attention and are interested in what they are sharing with you beyond simply seeking an answer to a question. This helps build trust and contributes to the person feeling listened to, acknowledged and understood. Empathic listening notices themes and key messages that may not be being verbalised.