Supporting People with 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.

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.