Did you know that Alzheimer’s is just one of over 100 types of dementia? The term “Dementia” is not necessarily a diagnosis unto itself. It’s more of an umbrella term. Alzheimer’s is one of the most well-known types. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is an important job and requires patience and self-awareness. Brain change “looks” different in each person and requires some basic knowledge of how to approach someone, talk to them, interact with them, or take care of them. What we see in someone’s actions or lack of reaction tells us what is going on in the brain. It’s a physical issue with how the brain is functioning (or not). So, just like if someone has a cast on their arm, and they have to adapt how they brush their hair or cook a meal, it’s the same with dementia. A part of the body has been affected, and so adaptations have to be made. Human nature tends to focus on what is lost or on what our loved one can no longer do. You have a choice to make. Will you focus on what you loved most about your person, or what they can still do on their own? Most importantly, remember that your “person” is still “in there”. The core of who they are is still seeing, listening, and feeling all your interactions with them. So get educated, do your best, and don’t do this alone.
Here is a perfect example from one of our care managers of how she previously interacted with her client with dementia.
I visit an 87-year-old woman living with dementia. I’ve known her for about two years. We have spent many hours sharing our life stories with each other. I know that she loves flowers. Yesterday, to welcome her back home after a hospitalization and to celebrate springtime in North Carolina, I brought her two bunches of cut tulips (her favorite) and a vase. I asked her in-home aide to cut the stems and then engage her to arrange the flowers in the vase. Simple task, yes. Positive stimulation appealing to her senses of touch, smell, and sight, yes. Activities that bring moments of joy are priceless.
It’s this simple knowledge of how to engage with a person living with dementia in a meaningful way, and in a way that gives their life meaning or purpose.
If you’d like to learn more about Teepa Snow‘s Positive Approach to Care click the links to check out her website. Visit our website’s resources page to find local and national resources. Give us a call to discuss training we can provide for you, your civic group, place of worship, or workplace on how the brain changes and how best to approach someone with dementia.