Dementia

Just read "Contented Dementia" a book by Oliver James, with a very interesting solution to a very frustrating disease.

Tips for the client (the one diagnosed with dementia)
1. From now on don't worry - stay with what you already know and love
2. Appoint the person you most trust as your advocate - and ask them to read this book while you get on with your life
3. oret about the diagnosis - you're very good at forgetting now, so use this skill to forget about dementia and get on with enjoying your life once more.

The method is a bit awkward to start with, but gets easier once you get the hang of it. Basicly it's keeping the client happy "with a green light on"by using:
SPECAL = Specialized Early Care for Alzheimer's
SPECALCARE = Continuing Acceptable Recycled Experiences
and SPECALSENSE (memories from long ago are still there, largely undamaged and intact) based on the 3 commandments for the carer:
1. Don't ask questions,
2. Learn from them as the experts on their disability
3. Always agree with everythig they say, never interupting them. (never contradict)

Storing of new memories is hardly possible with dementia, it's like storing blank photographs. Asking questions about recent activities will get the client frustrated because they can't recall, and they know they're missing the link. SO it's better to use old photo's from the clients happy past and relive it over and over. Loop the past in the present and keep them content.

Primary theme:
SPOT a hobby or event that they like to talk about and let them do so (even if it's repetitive) find words that you can link them back to this subject and there won't be any aggression. Make them the expert. Don't fake because they will pick up body language and know what you do. Just think that it's in their best interest ad both of you will be happier if there is no argument or frustration.
Use VERBAL PING-PONG to keep them on their subject, using their words and sentences. Also find gestures/manerisms and or objects to remind them about it and let (keep) them talk(ing).

Health theme:
Find a hospital topic in the past with a positive outcome and use that for GP appointments or to have the client take drugs, rest etc.

Find explanations for Departure, Absence and Presence of a third party in your absence that you can use over and over again. When you're a visitor use SPECAL CARE and SENSE, and act casual.

Altruistic trigger:
is only needed to get out of a red-panic situation to calm the client so (s)he can make sense of it all.

It all starte in Burford SPECAL Centre email info@specalburford.co.uk
or look at: www.specal.co.uk and www.oliver-james-books.com

Getting on in December

The first day of the last month this year 2008.
Most peple are counting down to Christmas. The festive season when family and friends gather and share giving and receiving presents.
Is it all a hype for consumerism to make people spend in the throw away society we live in?Buying something new is cheaper than fixing it, half the time there is not even the possibility to fix it at all.
We should be more sustainable and look after our planet and everything that lives on it. Recycle, reuse, not be inclined to buy things bigger and better even before their expiry date. What is it with this look at mine it's better or newer than yours?
I wear clothes that are 20-30 years old, a variety of colours that last, no need to follow fashion and only wear it for a season. If it fits why chuck it to buy new? I hardly buy clothes as I've got plenty to choose from. When I can see through them it is their time to leave my house.
My stereo will be with me 20 years and I've had my furniture 10 to 15 years. It's good and works. The newer things don't last as long though, my kettle has a faulty button after only 8 years, it's made of plastic all welded together so you can't even take it apart, that's what we have now.
Kids grow up with this and don't know better. Taking a photo and looking at the result on a digital camera, even printing it within a few minutes. No need to shoot the roll, bring it to the photo shop, wait for a week and finally see the result. I's all about quick, now and most of it makes noise. I prefer the silence so always take the sound of to silent the beeps.
We're living an "easier" and more hectic life. Use more chemicals and know a lot more about diseases, finding cures and living longer... let's look after each other.

finally a real post

Hello all,
Ace here Down Under in New Zealand,

Just checking out how to blog and know what it is all about really, you never know I might get to like it, out there in the cloud on the web.

I'm typing to you from the future as we are ahead in time to most of the world.
We're going towards summer here on the Southern hemisphere, others will loose their summer brown soon having to wear their winter woolies to keep warm. I quite like having a Christmas tree in summer next to the BBQ.

Will post some thoughts soon