M.A.G.I.Q. Communication

A gentle way of caring, even when things feel hard.

M.A.G.I.Q. Communication grew from my years as a nurse & from caring for my own mother.

It comes from real life, from love & from learning what helps when words, memory & understanding begin to change.

Living with dementia can look difficult from the outside.

A person may resist, withdraw, become upset, or angry. But they are not being difficult on purpose.

Their brain is injured - a bit like having a wound.

When a wound is sore or irritated, reactions can feel sudden or overwhelming. That doesn’t mean anyone is doing anything wrong. It means there is distress, fear, or discomfort that can’t easily be explained.

M.A.G.I.Q. gently shifts our focus away from managing behaviour towards caring for what is hurting.

If an assessment rules out the need for medication, M.A.G.I.Q. Communication helps to remind us to slow things down, reduce pressure, and protect the person’s dignity.

M for Moderation:
Avoid extreme laughing, joking, shouting or movement.

A for Acceptance:
Let it be, value their words, don’t question or express doubt.

G for Graceful:
Soft and gentle, kind, helpful.

I for Inclusive:
Involve and respect, include in all conversations.

Q for Quiet:
Keep it calm, pause regularly and try to be peaceful.

Each letter of M.A.G.I.Q. represents a simple principle that can be explored below

Click on each letter to explore what it means in practice and how it can be used in everyday care..

M.ODERATE

Avoid Extremes

A.CCEPTING

Let it be, value words

G.RACEFUL

Soft & gentle

I.NCLUSIVE

Involve & Respect

Q.UIET

Calm & Peaceful

Understanding the Invisible Wound

M.A.G.I.Q. is my wound care for the mind.

An injured mind:

  • can feel overwhelmed very quickly

  • is distressed rather than defiant

  • responds to how something feels, not how well it is explained

If I think about caring for a physical wound. I naturally:

  • move slowly and gently

  • explain what I’m doing

  • I try not to cause unnecessary pain

  • change my approach instantly if the person reacts

Every small interaction can either soothe or hurt.

The same is true in communication.

When someone is living with dementia:

  • my voice, timing, and body language becomes the “dressing”

  • thoughtful, gentle responses help protect dignity

  • calm connection can ease moments of confusion or distress

M.A.G.I.Q. offers a simple, caring way to stay connected - even on the hard days.