Innovative Programming for Engaging Individuals with Early-Stage Dementia

Transcription

1 Innovative Programming for Engaging Individuals with Early-Stage Dementia Presented by: Teri Miller, MS, OTR Mallory Freitag, MPH Alzheimer s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter

2 Objectives Identify the hallmarks of early-stage dementia Recognize the importance of socialization and meaningful activity among individuals in the early-stages of dementia Describe the essential components of an earlystage program and implementation strategies Provide examples of programs used to engage individuals with early-stage memory loss

3 Hallmarks of early-stage dementia Mild changes in ability to think, learn, and remember May not appear to have dementia symptoms May still be living in the community; still working Changes in communication

4 Hallmarks of Early-Stage: Changes in Communication Changes in: Size of vocabulary Ability to understand the right word Speed of processing information Maintaining a train of thought Ability to remember names, dates, and new information

5 Hallmarks of Early-Stage, Changes in Communication Because of communication challenges, individuals with earlystage memory-loss may: Have difficulty participating in large group discussion Repeat themselves, unaware that they are doing so Take longer to formulate thoughts Struggle with abstract concepts Attempt to compensate, or cover when they don t understand Early-Stage programming must take into account these changes

6 Dementia-related changes often impact quality-of-life Increased risk of social isolation Lack of purpose, meaningful activities Fluctuating relationship between person with dementia and their care partner

7 Creating an Early-Stage Engagement Program: A Toolkit for Practitioners Strategies for creating a successful early-stage program

8 Planning & Training Include early-stage individuals in program planning Provide training to volunteers and staff, with an emphasis on communication techniques

9 Creating Eligibility Guidelines Early Stage Group participants should: Be interested in participating with a group of peers on issues related to Alzheimer s disease Have a physician diagnosis of probable AD or related dementia Have been told about their diagnosis Be able to participate in discussions and express him/herself Acknowledge they have changes in their memory

10 Creating a Shared Experience Participation that involves both the diagnosed individual and their care partner Provides new ways to connect Models other caregiving relationships

11 Activities Process over product Don t overcomplicate: provide step-by-step instructions Choose activities that are purposeful Art (ex: paper marbling) Music (ex: drum circle) Theatre (ex: improv group) Preserve dignity Sometimes this has more to do with how you present the activity

12 More than making crafts

13 More than making crafts

14 Measuring Success Quality-of-life Perceived social support Very subjective, qualitative interviews with families beneficial for program feedback

15 Discovering Creativity

16 About Discovering Creativity A photography workshop for individuals in the early-stages of dementia, providing an opportunity to socialize and engage in creative expression. Care partners simultaneously participated in a traditional education/support group

17 Discovering Creativity Program Objectives Both diagnosed individuals and their care partners will: Express a feeling of increased socialization Demonstrate expanded ways to connect with one another Increase their ability to adjust expectations (focusing on strengths, not losses) Diagnosed individuals will: Express a feeling of accomplishment and purpose Care partners will: Demonstrate increased caregiving confidence Describe available resources

18 Discovering Creativity Session # Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session Description General overview of photography: history, photo composition, mechanics of photography Review and expand photo composition- distribute cameras and give instructions Participants take photographs- send cameras to our office, photographer sorts through and chooses 5 photos Group review and critique Participants create artist statements Reception for photographers to display their work to their friends, family, and community members Photographs are displayed in a variety of venues to build awareness

19 Participant feedback Satisfaction surveys indicated an overwhelmingly high level of appreciation for the program, both from diagnosed individuals and care partners Diagnosed individuals, It was great to meet other people like me. The workshops treated us all like adults A fabulous opportunity to make new friends Care partners, I saw my wife become engaged and excited about what she was doing and it gave me hope Feedback for future programs: a longer, more comprehensive program and more fun activities for care partners to bond and relieve stress

20 Keep off the Rocks

21 Nature s Glory: To Live Again

22 A New Balance

23 Peer-to-Peer Outreach Program Connects recently diagnosed individuals with others living in the early-stages of dementia through a series of confidential phone calls

24 Peer-to-Peer Outreach Program Program Objectives Increase feelings of social support and reduce social isolation Provide call volunteers with a sense of purpose and accomplishment Increase call recipients awareness of programs and services in their area

25 Peer-to-Peer Outreach Program Program Timeline Training session Ongoing call sessions twice a month Social and feedback session once a quarter Description Call volunteers join together and learn more about the program, practice making calls, and socialize with one another Call volunteers make calls out to recipients with the support of chapter volunteers Call volunteers join together to socialize and talk about ways to improve the program

26 Participant feedback The best thing about this program is talking with someone in the same boat and who understands. "It's wonderful to talk with someone who is living with the disease and still sounds like she's together...she gives me hope"

27 How could engage early-stage folks? Recently, staff members at a senior community center identified several participants who seemed to be experiencing cognitive impairments. After needs assessment, they decided their community center would benefit from an early-stage program. What are some ways the community center could engage it s early-stage members?

28 How could we engage these earlystage folks An assisted living facility provides activities for it s residents. However, these activities are not specifically tailored towards memory care. Staff noticed that many residents have earlystage dementia, and are reluctant to join programming. When they do join, they tend to sit passively in the program and are not engaged. What are some ways we could engage these early-stage folks?

29 Questions?