Idea Transcript
You Remember Me, Don’t You? Dementia Communication Skills for Everyone
St. Anne’s Mead
Assisted Living. Nursing Care. 16106 West 12 Mile Road • Southfield, MI 248-557-1221 • www.stannesmead.org
In collaboration with:
Gemini Consulting GLE Institute for Dementia
Erin Bonitto • Cold Spring, MN 320-685-7265 • www.Gemini-Consulting.org
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Dementia Definitions Age-Associated Memory Impairment • •
Everyday Senior Moments. Irritating & Embarrassing, but not related to dementia.
Dementia
• An Umbrella Term for a Cluster of Symptoms. • The symptoms include problems with: memory, judgment, language, and decision-making. • Many different conditions may cause dementia.
3 Major Causes of Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common cause of dementia. A progressive, fatal brain disease.
Vascular Dementia
The second most common cause of dementia. A single, major stroke or a series of very small strokes.
Mixed Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease & Vascular Dementia both exist. This occurs more often than previously believed.
St. Anne’s Mead • www.stannesmead.org — Gemini Consulting • www.Gemini-Consulting.org
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Alzheimer’s Disease: What Happens to the Brain? Behavior, Decision-Making, Personality Language
Short Term Memory
Key Points • Severe impairment to short-term memory • Out-of-character responses (a.k.a. ‘behaviors’) • Speaking and understanding spoken words Suggested Resources to Learn More: The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org
The Alzheimer’s Brain Tour on-line at www.alz.org
St. Anne’s Mead • www.stannesmead.org — Gemini Consulting • www.Gemini-Consulting.org
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Dementia Communication The Basics. . . • Treat every single interaction as if it’s your first – it may feel that way to the person! • Carefully monitor your facial expression, body language, and tone of voice. • Smile & approach with a warm, unthreatening manner. • Use simple, concrete language • Approach gently from the front – where the person can easily see you. • Always step into this person’s reality. • Do NOT Quiz the Person: Such as, “What’s my name?” or “You remember me, don’t you?” Instead, offer your name and a bit about yourself – to gently help the person connect. If the person does not remember you specifically, simply continue on as a nice friend. © 2010. Gemini Consulting • www.Gemini-Consulting.org. Reprinted here by permission.
Suggested Resources to Learn More: The Best Friend’s Approach to Alzheimer’s Care David Troxel & Virginia Bell
The Validation Breakthrough Naomi Feil
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Be sure to introduce yourself to the person – every time! Understand dementia – especially language difficulties Do get below eye level Describe what is going to happen Include everyone – using resident-to-resident introductions Endorphin Boosts Simple Statements
Familiar words & language Offer simple, concrete choices Remember to speak slow & low – no up-talking! Exaggerated facial expressions, gestures, and body language Verify the persons mood & energy Engage with Skill – using non-verbal techniques Remember to offer a handshake, hug, or kiss – every time! © 2010. Gemini Consulting • www.Gemini-Consulting.org. Reprinted here by permission.
What is Buddies Forever? Developed by Gemini Consulting & GLE Institute for Dementia, Buddies Forever is a system of Hands-On Coaching Tools for anyone interacting with persons with dementia.
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Here’s the Buddies Forever standard we use to be Successful Dementia Communicators
Be Sure to Introduce Yourself to the Person – Every Time! G.L.
____________________
U.M.B. ____________________ I.M.
____________________
S.S.
____________________
St. Anne’s Mead • www.stannesmead.org — Gemini Consulting • www.Gemini-Consulting.org
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Alzheimer’s Disease or A.A.M.I.? 1.
Memory changes that disrupt daily life.
2.
Challenges in planning or problem-solving.
3.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
4.
Confusion with time or place.
5.
Trouble understanding visual images & spatial relationships.
6.
New problems with words in speaking or writing.
7.
Misplacing things & losing the ability to retrace steps.
8.
Decreased or poor judgment.
9.
Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10.
Changes in mood & personality.
This list courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association on-line at www.alz.org. Or, contact the Alzheimer’s Association office in your area.
This list is for information only and not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified professional.
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Life Enrichment Systems for Dementia
– developed by Erin Bonitto, of Gemini Consulting and the GLE Institute for Dementia – offers real-world skills and sustainable systems for dementia care providers. Lauded as ‘do-able dementia care’ – this internationally-known and award-winning system has grown to include the Alzheimer’sDementia Lounge, Therapeutic Small Groups, Soft Sensory Approaches, and Buddies Forever Dementia Communication Coaching.
St. Anne’s Mead
and Gemini Consulting have collaborated on Life Enrichment Systems since 2007, when St. Anne’s Mead launched The Alzheimer’s-Dementia Lounge –
known at St. Anne’s as The
Friendship Lounge. St. Anne’s Friendship Lounge is facilitated by specially-trained staff members – known as Butterflies. St. Anne’s Mead
has since embraced several other Life Enrichment Systems, including: Therapeutic Small Group Activities, Soft Sensory Approaches, and Theme Planning. Currently, St. Anne’s is implementing Gemini Consulting’s coaching system.
Buddies Forever
dementia communication
Nationally, St. Anne’s Mead is one of a just a small number of organizations that have offered their teams complete Life Enrichment education & coaching. In fact, every single member of St. Anne’s team has participated in this in-depth education. St. Anne’s is honored to be the only senior community in Detroit – and in Michigan – that has served as an innovator for this intensive, ground-breaking dementia work. We are making a difference today, while we wait for tomorrow’s cure & treatment.
St. Anne’s Mead
Assisted Living. Nursing Care.
16106 West 12 Mile Road • Southfield, MI 248-557-1221 • www.stannesmead.org
In collaboration with:
Gemini Consulting GLE Institute for Dementia
Erin Bonitto • Cold Spring, MN 320-685-7265 • www.Gemini-Consulting.org
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