This article presents a communication framework, devised by the authors, that could be used by healthcare professionals who come into contact with people who have dementia. The framework is based on four key concepts: validation, emotion, reassure and activity (VERA). It describes a stage-by-stage process of communication that guides nurses towards providing compassionate and caring responses. The framework was developed in response to students who said they find it useful to have structured guidance on how to interact with people who have dementia. The VERA framework offers a means of interpreting communication and responding appropriately.