What to Talk about on a Video Call with a Parent who has Dementia

•   June 9, 2026
•  Senior Living Tips 

Video calls can help you stay connected with a parent who has dementia, especially when you cannot visit in person. But knowing what to talk about is not always easy.

Your parent may repeat questions, lose track of the conversation, or struggle to remember recent events. That does not mean the call is unsuccessful.

The goal is not to test their memory. The goal is to create a calm, positive moment together.

Start With a Simple Greeting

Begin by gently introducing yourself.

You might say:

• “Hi, Mom. It’s Dennis.”
• “Hi, Dad. It’s so good to see you.”
• “I was thinking about you and wanted to call.”

Avoid asking, “Do you remember who I am?” That can make your parent feel pressured or embarrassed.

Talk About What Is Happening Right Now

Present-moment topics are often easier than questions about the past few days.

Try talking about:

• The weather
• What you are wearing
• A pet nearby
• What you cooked for dinner
• Something happening outside your window

You could say, “The dog is sleeping next to me,” or “It is raining here today.”

Simple details can help your parent feel included in your everyday life.

Use Family Photos

Photos give you something clear to discuss and can take pressure off the conversation.

Good photos might include:

• Children or grandchildren
• Family pets
• Holidays
• Familiar homes
• Past vacations
• Your parent when they were younger

Instead of asking, “Who is this?” explain the photo first.

For example:

• “This is your granddaughter at her soccer game.”
• “This was taken at our house last Christmas.”
• “Here is the beach where we used to go.”

Then ask an easy question, such as, “What do you like about this picture?”

ViewClix's PhotoChat lets families look at the same photo during a video call, making it easier to find a shared topic.

Ask About Long-Term Memories

Recent memories may be difficult, but older memories may still feel familiar.

Try asking about:

• Childhood
• First jobs
• Favorite meals
• Music
• Holidays
• Pets
• Family traditions
• Places where they lived

Conversation starters could include:

• “What did you enjoy doing as a child?”
• “What was your first job?”
• “What music did you like when you were younger?”
• “What did your mother like to cook?”

Do not worry if every detail is accurate. The emotional connection matters more than correcting the story.

Share Family Updates

Keep family updates short and easy to follow.

You can share:

• A child’s artwork
• A new family photo
• A funny story
• A birthday
• A school activity
• A pet doing something silly

Children can also join the call by showing a drawing, singing a short song, or simply waving hello.

Ask Questions With No Wrong Answer

Questions about opinions are often easier than questions that test memory.

Try asking:

• “Do you like this picture?”
• “Which color do you like best?”
• “Does that meal look good?”
• “Would you rather visit the beach or the mountains?”
• “What kind of music do you enjoy?”

These questions can help your parent feel more relaxed and confident.

Keep the Call Calm

Too much noise or activity can make a video call difficult to follow.

To make the conversation easier:

• Choose a quiet room.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Ask one question at a time.
• Give your parent time to answer.
• Avoid having several people speak at once.
• Keep the call short if they seem tired.

A calm five-minute call can be more enjoyable than a long conversation that becomes frustrating.

Be Patient With Repeated Questions

Your parent may ask the same question several times. Try to answer patiently or gently move to another topic.

Avoid saying:

• “I already told you.”
• “You just asked me that.”
• “Don’t you remember?”

Instead, say something like, “Everyone is doing well. Let me show you a new picture.”

End on a Positive Note

Watch for signs that your parent is becoming tired, distracted, or frustrated.

When it is time to end the call, keep the goodbye simple.

You might say:

• “I loved talking with you.”
• “I’ll call you again soon.”
• “I’m glad we had this time together.”
• “I love you.”

Focus on the Feeling, Not the Details

Your parent may not remember everything you discussed. They may repeat stories or forget the call later.

The conversation can still have value.

They can still enjoy seeing your face, hearing your voice, and feeling your attention. A successful video call does not need to be long or perfect.

It only needs to help your parent feel loved, remembered, and included.

Start video calling with your senior loved ones today and order a ViewClix Smart Frame: https://viewclix.com/shop