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Supporting Peoplewith Dementia
How to use this Power Point
Start and end with a time of introspection or prayer if that is what you are used to (some are included at the end of this power point).
Spending time sharing in teams about a particular individual might be helpful.
Be as interactive as possible. Give people time to give examples or share knowledge that they have.
Introduction
Those who have dementia will teach us a whole different way of being with each other.
They may require more support than we are able to provide.
The disease presents slightly differently in each individual but there are some commonalities
The following information is from
A presentation by Pamela Singleton, Kathy Johnston and Dianne Hope of York South Association for community Living.They have given permission to adapt for our use.
The Down Syndrome Scotland Website
Before Assuming Someone has Dementia Do The Following
The conditions on the following pages are usually treatable. Therefore it is of utmost importance that a thorough medical assessment be completed before a diagnosis of dementia is made. A gerontologist may be the most appropriate person to do this.
Other conditions that may mimic symptoms of dementia
Abnormal Thyroid function InfectionsPernicious anemiaAdverse drug reactionsAcute physical illnessDiabetesCardiac Abnormalities
Sleep apnea
Depression
Constipation
Hearing /vision losses
Multiple Stokes
Recent bereavement
Risk Factors
Down’s Syndrome - Ages 40-49 11% - Ages 50-59 70% - Ages 60-69 90%
- Over 70100%
Family HistoryAge
Effects of Alzheimer's Disease
1. Mental Abilities
2. Emotions and Moods
3. Reactions
4. Physical Abilities
** Alzheimer’s Disease does NOT affect the person’s ability to appreciate, respond to & express feelings such as joy, anger, fear, love or sadness!
The Three Stages: Stage 1
Mental Mild forgetfulness, difficulty in learning new things, problems with orientation, communication difficulties, limited attention span.
Emotion Mild mood shifts, depression
Reaction Passiveness, withdrawal from usual activities, restlessness
Physical Mild co-ordination problems
Stage 2
Mental Memory problems, forgetfulness about personal history, inability to recognize friends/family, disorientation, gets lost easily
Emotions Personality change, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, sadness/depression, hostility/aggression
Reaction Restlessness, repetition, delusions, aggression, uninhibited behaviour, extreme passiveness, crying and screaming
Physical Assistance required for daily tasks, disrupted sleep patterns, appetite fluctuations, language difficulties, visual spatial problems, frequent falls
Stage 3
Mental Loss of ability to remember, communicate or function, inability to process information, severe speaking difficulties, severe disorientation to people, time and place
Emotions Possible withdrawal, limited facial expressions
Reactions Incoherent muttering, non-verbal methods of communicating (eye-contact, crying, groaning)
Physical Bedridden, aspiration, prone to pneumonia and bedsores, loses ability to speak, complete incontinence, unable to dress/ bathe, weight loss
Remaining Strengths
Awareness of memory and emotions
Ability to use senses (smell, touch, taste, hearing)
Ability to remember well-learned skills
Long-term memory
Sense of humor
Music Appreciation
Communication
Finding ways to be communicate is crucial in maintaining our relationship with someone who has dementia.
Communication is a two way street. I am communicating with the other person and they are communicating with me .
The following are some suggestions for facilitating communication both ways.
Communication From The Person
Listen with your ears and heartDon’t take things said personallyDon’t argueDon’t reasonDon’t confrontDon’t remind them they forgot
Don’t question recent memory
Do agree with them then distract/redirect them
Do accept the blame if something is wrong
Do use touch
Communicating To the Person
Face to face
Eye contact
Speak slowly and clearly
Calm, gentle approach
Use short sentences
Allow natural breaks and periods of silence
One message at a time
Repeat the message
Use actions, along with words
Use humor and cheerfulness
Other Things That Facilitate Communication
Belief—that every person, regardless of abilities, maintains a core of self that can be reached.
Creativity—in expressing both your feelings and your message.
Understanding—of the effect of the disease on communication
Patience—to slow down, listen, watch, wait for a response, repeat a phrase.
Skills—to convey the message or feelings effectively
Always Remember
That we all communicate by emotion, expression and touch. Holding a hand, or smiling when talking can convey more than any words.
That feelings remain despite the losses caused by Alzheimer Disease. Feelings may be the only way an individual understands what is going on.
Always Remember
To be aware of your body and facial expressions. Harsh glances can be just as negative as harsh words.
To include the individual. It is painful to be ignored because of your difficulties in communicating.
From “Day to day Communication” from Alzheimer Society
Factors To Consider That Might be Increasing Symptoms
Medication
Stress
Time Confusion
Basic Needs
Restlessness
Lack of recognition
Fear
Past Behaviour
Some Typical Challenging Behaviors
Sundowning & Shadowing
Agitation
Anger
Catastrophic Reactions
Confrontation
Paranoia
Depression
Eating
Forgetfulness
Hoarding
Hygiene/Bathing
Incontinence
Dehydration
Repetitive questioning
Wandering
Where To Get Help
Most often the people best able to respond to questions, make suggestions and provide support are your local Alzheimer’s Society.
Down Syndrome Scotland has helpful information as well including a booklet for explaining dementia to other people with intellectual disabilities. www.dsscotland.organization.uk
Don’t Forget
That the understanding, compassion and care we show those who have dementia is teaching us new ways of being with each other.
Some Prayers
O Lord look with favor on your people, and impart your love to us- not as an idea or concept but as a lived experience.We can love each other only because you have loved us first. Let us know that first love so that we can see in all human love, a love without conditions and limitations.
May the power and the mystery go before us, to show us the way,
Shine above us to lighten our world,Lie beneath us to bear us up,Walk with us and give us companionship,And glow and flow within us to bring us joy.Amen Judith Walker-Riggs
•
Loving God,We thank you for the gift of life and love. Thank you too for all the seasons of life: for birth, for
youth, for adulthood and for old age.Help us to know that no matter what season we are
in, we are all loved and valued by you.Help us, as well, to trust always in you goodness, for
we ask this in the name of your son Jesus Christ who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Merciful God,you know our weakness and distress.Yet the weaker we are,the stronger is your help.Grant that we may accept with joy and gratitudethe gift of this time of grace,and bear witness to your work in our lives.