C.A.R.E. PARTNERS IN DEMENTIA

It was so exciting to hold our first ever “CHATINAR” and have such a good discussion about issues that are important to Activity Professionals. 

#1 Topic was how to adapt regular activity session so that people with varying skills levels can have a successful experience. 

As part of the person-centered care focus, the activity professionals on the CHATINAR agreed that adapting for skill levels is extremely important. 

Example:  If I am 85 years old and used to play poker regularly – as indicated on my Life History – and at this point my cognitive impairment is such that I can’t really play poker any longer because I can’t remember the rules, then to be able to still “play” cards for me might look different.  I could still be sitting in the room where others are actually playing poker, but at my table we are sorting or matching several decks of cards.  The group that I am playing with has a similar skill level and I feel really good “playing” with the cards with them.

The group offered other ways to adapt activity sessions for skill level so that the preferences and interests are met for everyone regardless of their level of ability.  This is truly person-centered care at its best.

Our next FREE  ”CHATINAR” – will be held on March 10th from 3:00 – 4:00pm.  Go to our website and register to receive the notices if you haven’t already done so.  They are conducted via the internet with audio supplied via microphone/speakers on the computer OR phone.

A big topic now in “Activities”…. I don’t really like the term, I would rather use the term community life….. anyway the one area that is being looked at is culture change in the “activities” – community life realm.  For so long we activity professionals have decided what should be accomplished throughout a month by setting up our calendar….. the infamous grid that displays all of the things that we could possibly offer in a month.  Often that calendar – 30 days in length – changes at mid-point for whatever reason and we never get around to changing it.  Let’s face it, one of the main reasons we have it at all is to be “compliant” with the regulations which is so very old culture.

In the new culture the posting of opportunities to enrich community life are done in a shorter period and are ready to reflect the changes that we all have in the plans that sometimes get changed.  AND TO REFLECT the people that are in our community and their needs and preferences.

I ask the question….. if we could start over and develop our OWN way of providing opportunities for relaxation, recreation, practicing life skills, brain exercise and all of those wonderful things that ALL HUMANS participate in daily…… IF we could create something for those that we provide care for that would meet their daily needs….. WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE……. I want to hear from you……… let’s dream a little….. give me your thoughts…..

I have been so very encouraged over the past several weeks as I have traveled around, speaking with Activity Professionals about what the next level of activities should look like.  There are some very forward thinking professionals who are truly transforming their current “programming” into person-centered programming.  As we start to move from “entertainment” to engagement in our way of thinking, I would hope that we could network and discuss the different aspects of this transformation.

The Therapetic Engagement Program(TM) is a trademarked therapeutic activities program for those who have dementia.  Expanding on the research that has been conducted on “brain exercise” and the importance of keeping our brains healthy through deliberate exercise, GNC developed the TEP (TM) to provide a structured daily routine of engagement (brain exercise) sessions that are created utilizing retained abilities of those with dementia.  To find out more about the TEP visit the GOOD NEWS CONSULTING website at www.goodnewsconsulting.com and view the Culture of C.A.R.E. model.

Keeping up to date on information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia can be a challenge for most professionals and family caregivers.  There are several resources that can be utilized and a person could spend time “surfing” around to various websites to gain a better understanding of dementia.  One article that I have found that provides updated information can be found on the GNC website www.goodnewsconsulting.com under either Family or Professional Resouces entitled, “Alzheimer’s Report Facts and Figures”.

Families and professional caregivers have long been challenged with bathing as one of the most perplexing “helping” tasks.  In a paper titled “Bathing Without a Battle: Common Myths Related to Bathing” I have found some very helpful and interesting information.  This article can be found on the GNC website:  www.goodnewsconsulting.com under Professional Resources.  Take a look and see if this is helpful.  It would be a good place to start a dialogue on successful interventions that can be used by family and professional caregivers.