Supporting People with Dementia

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Supporting Peoplewith Dementia
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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Other conditions that may mimic symptoms of
dementia

• Abnormal Thyroid function
• Infections
• Pernicious anemia
• Adverse drug reactions
• Acute physical illness
• Diabetes
• Cardiac Abnormalities

• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Constipation
• Hearing /vision losses
• Multiple Stokes
• Recent bereavement

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Risk Factors

• Downs Syndrome
• - Ages 40-49 11
• - Ages 50-59 70
• - Ages 60-69 90 -
  Over 70 100
• Family History
• Age

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Effects of Alzheimer's Disease

• 1. Mental Abilities
• 2. Emotions and Moods
• 3. Reactions
• 4. Physical Abilities
• Alzheimers Disease does NOT affect the
  persons ability to appreciate, respond to
  express feelings such as joy, anger, fear, love
  or sadness!

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The Three Stages Stage 1
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Stage 2
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Stage 3
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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

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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.

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Communication From The Person

• Listen with your ears and heart
• Dont take things said personally
• Dont argue
• Dont reason
• Dont confront
• Dont remind them they forgot

• Dont question recent memory
• Do agree with them then distract/redirect them
• Do accept the blame if something is wrong
• Do use touch

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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

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Other Things That Facilitate Communication

• Beliefthat every person, regardless of
  abilities, maintains a core of self that can be
  reached.
• Creativityin expressing both your feelings and
  your message.
• Understandingof the effect of the disease on
  communication
• Patienceto slow down, listen, watch, wait for a
  response, repeat a phrase.
• Skillsto convey the message or feelings
  effectively

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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.

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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

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Factors To Consider That Might be Increasing
Symptoms

• Medication
• Stress
• Time Confusion
• Basic Needs
• Restlessness
• Lack of recognition

• Fear
• Past Behaviour

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Some Typical Challenging Behaviors

• Sundowning Shadowing
• Agitation
• Anger
• Catastrophic Reactions
• Confrontation
• Paranoia
• Depression

• Eating
• Forgetfulness
• Hoarding
• Hygiene/Bathing
• Incontinence
• Dehydration
• Repetitive questioning
• Wandering

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Where To Get Help

• Most often the people best able to respond to
  questions, make suggestions and provide support
  are your local Alzheimers 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

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Dont Forget

• That the understanding, compassion and care we
  show those who have dementia is teaching us new
  ways of being with each other.

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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.

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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.