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