You Remember Me, Don t You?

Transcription

1 You Remember Me, Don t You? Dementia Communication Skills for Everyone St. Anne s Mead Assisted Living. Nursing Care West 12 Mile Road Southfield, MI In collaboration with: Gemini Consulting GLE Institute for Dementia Erin Bonitto Cold Spring, MN

2 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 Gemini Consulting 2

3 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 The Alzheimer s Brain Tour on-line at St. Anne s Mead Gemini Consulting 3

4 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 Gemini Consulting 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 4

5 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! Gemini Consulting 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. 5

6 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 Gemini Consulting 6

7 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 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. 7

8 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 s- Dementia 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 Buddies Forever dementia communication coaching system. 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 West 12 Mile Road Southfield, MI In collaboration with: Gemini Consulting GLE Institute for Dementia Erin Bonitto Cold Spring, MN