For more information about the author, click to view their website: Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Overview is part of a six-part series. Dementia is a degenerative neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may experience difficulties with communication, including problems with memory, language, and understanding. This can make it challenging for caregivers and family members to connect with their loved ones and provide the best possible care. However, there is a promising solution to this challenge: improv. In this six-part series, we will explore how improvisational theater techniques can be used to improve communication and connection with individuals with dementia. By tapping into the power of improv, caregivers can learn how to communicate more effectively, build rapport, and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones.
Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily tasks. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may have trouble communicating and may become withdrawn and isolated. However, with the right approach and support, individuals with dementia can still achieve good quality of life.
One approach to supporting individuals with dementia is to meet them where they are at. This means that care providers should strive to understand the individual's unique perspective, experiences, and needs. This approach can help to reduce frustration, confusion, and anxiety and promote a sense of well-being and connectedness.
To meet individuals with dementia where they are at, care providers can use a range of strategies. These may include:
Communication: Communication can be challenging for individuals with dementia. Care providers should use clear and simple language, speak slowly, and allow time for the individual to process information. They should also use non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, to convey meaning.
Activities: Activities that are meaningful and engaging can help individuals with dementia to stay connected and maintain a sense of purpose. Care providers should focus on activities that the individual enjoys and are tailored to their abilities and interests.
Environment: The physical environment can have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals with dementia. Care providers should create an environment that is familiar and comfortable, with minimal distractions and noise.
Personalized care: Personalized care can help individuals with dementia to maintain a sense of identity and autonomy. Care providers should take the time to get to know the individual and their preferences and involve them in decision-making as much as possible.
Emotional support: Individuals with dementia may experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and frustration. Care providers should provide emotional support and validation, acknowledging the individual's feelings and concerns.
Meeting individuals with dementia where they are at requires a holistic and person-centered approach. By understanding the unique needs and experiences of the individual, care providers can support them to maintain a sense of dignity and quality of life, even as the disease progresses.
Communication is a complex process that involves sending and receiving messages, both verbal and nonverbal, between individuals. Effective communication requires the ability to understand and interpret messages, express oneself clearly, and respond appropriately to feedback. For people with dementia, communication can become more challenging as the disease progresses and affects their cognitive and language abilities.
Communication in people with dementia can be impaired due to a variety of factors, including memory loss, difficulty finding the right words, and impaired processing and comprehension of language. This can lead to frustration and anxiety for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. It is important to understand how communication can be affected by dementia and to develop strategies for effective communication.
It is also important to remember that communication is a two-way street, and caregivers and healthcare providers must also be good listeners. Active listening, which involves paying attention to the person with dementia, acknowledging their feelings, and responding appropriately, can help build trust and understanding.
Improved communication with individuals with advanced dementia can lead to several benefits, including better social interaction, reduced feelings of anxiety, and improved quality of life. It can also help caregivers better understand the needs and preferences of the person with dementia, resulting in more personalized care and enhanced well-being for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
Several studies have explored the benefits of improving communication with individuals with advanced dementia. For example, a systematic review of communication interventions found that these interventions can lead to reduced agitation and aggression among people with dementia, as well as improved quality of life and social engagement (Van't Leven et al., 2013). Another study showed that individualized communication training for caregivers can lead to significant improvements in communication quality and overall well-being for both caregivers and individuals with dementia (Graff et al., 2006).
Moreover, incorporating improvisation techniques, such as mirroring, storytelling, and music, can be particularly beneficial in enhancing communication with individuals with advanced dementia. A randomized controlled trial of music therapy showed that it led to significant improvements in communication and social interaction among individuals with advanced dementia (Raglio et al., 2015). Another study showed that using storytelling and role-playing techniques can lead to significant improvements in communication and emotional well-being among individuals with advanced dementia (Hsu et al., 2018).
Improving communication with individuals with advanced dementia can lead to several benefits for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. Incorporating improvisation techniques can enhance the effectiveness of communication interventions and improve overall well-being.
The components of improv can be applied to dementia care to help improve communication, build trust, and enhance the overall care experience for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
Components of improv for dementia care include:
Acceptance: Accepting and building on the ideas of others is a key component of improv. In dementia care, acceptance can involve acknowledging and validating the thoughts and feelings of individuals with dementia, even if they are not based in reality. This can help build trust and improve communication.
Listening: Active listening is essential in improv. In dementia care, listening involves paying attention to verbal and nonverbal cues, as well as being open to new ideas and adapting to the needs of the person with dementia.
Agreement: In improv, performers agree to the reality of the scene and build on it. In dementia care, agreement can involve finding common ground with the person with dementia and building on their ideas and interests.
Creativity: Improv is all about creativity and thinking outside the box. In dementia care, creativity can involve finding new ways to communicate, engage, and connect with the person with dementia.
Flexibility: Improv requires performers to be flexible and adapt to changing situations. In dementia care, flexibility can involve being open to new ideas and adjusting communication strategies as needed to accommodate the needs and abilities of the person with dementia.
Playfulness: Improv often involves a playful and lighthearted approach to communication. In dementia care, playfulness can involve using humor and creativity to make communication more enjoyable and engaging for the person with dementia.
Using improv techniques can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia by fostering flexibility, active listening, engagement, and humor. These techniques can help improve the quality of communication and enhance the overall care experience for both the caregiver and the individual with dementia.Improv can help communicate with someone who has dementia by:
Emphasizing flexibility: Improv involves being open and flexible to new ideas and situations. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may have difficulty following a specific train of thought or conversation. By being flexible and open to new ideas, caregivers can adapt to the needs and abilities of the person with dementia, allowing for more successful communication.
Encouraging active listening: Improv requires active listening and responding to what is being said in the moment. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may have difficulty following a conversation or articulating their thoughts. By actively listening and responding to the person with dementia, caregivers can help them feel heard and understood.
Fostering a positive and engaging environment: Improv involves creating a positive and engaging environment that encourages participation and creativity. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may become easily disengaged or frustrated during communication. By creating a positive and engaging environment, caregivers can help individuals with dementia feel more comfortable and open to communication.
Using humor and playfulness: Improv often involves using humor and playfulness to communicate and connect with others. This approach can help caregivers communicate more effectively with individuals with dementia, who may respond well to humor and playfulness. By using humor and playfulness, caregivers can help lighten the mood and make communication more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.
Improv Techniques
There are many improv techniques that can be used on a client with dementia. By incorporating these techniques into their care approach, caregivers can help improve communication, reduce stress, and enhance the overall care experience for the person with dementia.Here are a few examples:
Using improv techniques in caregiving can greatly enhance the caregiver's relationship with their loved one with dementia. By accepting and validating the individual's experience, caregivers can build trust, improve communication, and increase their loved one's sense of safety and comfort. Improv also allows for creative problem-solving and flexibility, which can be crucial in adapting to the individual's changing needs and abilities. Ultimately, incorporating improv as a form of communication can lead to a more positive, meaningful, and fulfilling relationship between the caregiver and their loved one with dementia.
To Receive Continuing Education Credit for Nursing, Texas Social Work, Texas Licensed Professional Councilor Click HERE.
Read all of the articles in this six-part series on Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Overview
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | "Yes and..." Technique
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Mirroring Technique
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Storytelling Technique
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Role-playing Technique
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Musical Improvisation technique
Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/
To Receive Continuing Education Credit for Nursing, Texas Social Work, Texas Licensed Professional Councilor email Kathleen@SeniorsBlueBook.com for the link.
References:
Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Communication and Alzheimer's. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications
Goldsmith, L., & Goldsmith, J. (2019). Communication and dementia. American Family Physician, 99(11), 684-691.
Graff, M. J., Adang, E. M., Vernooij-Dassen, M. J., Dekker, J. H., Jönsson, L., Thijssen, M., ... & Rikkert, M. G. (2006). Community occupational therapy for older patients with dementia and their care givers: cost effectiveness study. BMJ, 333(7580), 1196.
Guzmán, A., & Hegarty, J. (2018). A systematic review of drama therapy interventions for dementia care. Aging & Mental Health, 22(10), 1309-1319.
Hsu, M. H., Flowerdew, R., Parker, M., Fachner, J., & Odell-Miller, H. (2018). A thematic analysis exploring group music psychotherapy for people with dementia in the UK. Journal of Applied Arts & Health, 9(1), 75-87.
Kales, H. C., Gitlin, L. N., & Lyketsos, C. G. (2015). Assessment and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 350, h369.
Raglio, A., Bellelli, G., Traficante, D., Gianotti, M., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., ... & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2015). Efficacy of music therapy in the treatment of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia. Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 29(2), 158-163.
Raglio, A., Gianotti, M., Manzoni, V., Bolis, S., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2016). Effects of improvisational music therapy vs enhanced standard care on symptom severity among patients with Alzheimer disease: The IMT-ALZ randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurology, 73(7), 797-805.
Van't Leven, N., Prick, A. E., Groenewoud, J. G., Roelofs, P. D., de Lange, J., Pot, A. M., & Van't Leven, N. (2013). Communication enhancement between dementia care professionals and dementia patients during daily care. Aging & Mental Health, 17(5), 555-568.
Lets talk PATHWAYS: Personalized Support for Those Experiencing Cognitive DeclineDecember 5, 2024 By CC Young StaffThis time of year is filled with gatherings, which means you may be spending more quality time with your family members, particularly your parents and older relatives. While time spent together is a blessing, it can also highlight changes brought on by aging. If you believe someone you love is experiencing mild cognitive decline, there are options for keeping them safe while maintaining their independence and quality of life.This year, CC Young Senior Living in Dallas launched the Personal Assistance Toward Health and Wellness As You Succeed (PATHWAYS) program. Designed to serve as a bridge between Assisted Living and Memory Support, PATHWAYS provides extra support and structure in an intimate, small-group setting.We sat down with Nena Paris, CC Youngs Administrator, Assisted Living and Memory Support, to better understand the PATHWAYS program and who can benefit from it. Here are seven takeaways.PATHWAYS was created to fill a need between Assisted Living and Memory Support. The program came about because, often, Memory Support units can have long waitlists and fill up quickly. Truthfully, sometimes people with cognitive impairment dont necessarily need full Memory Support, as theyre not at risk of eloping, or leaving the community without supervision. CC Young has recognized that theres this middle group people who need a little more guided assistance and structure with their daily activities but are not qualified for full-blown Memory Support.PATHWAYS can actually slow cognitive decline. Research has shown that a guided program like PATHWAYS can in fact slow cognitive decline and help people stay engaged. Our program does this by providing residents with personal interaction, along with physical and emotional support, as a way to enhance their overall wellness and quality of life in a positive environment.PATHWAYS promotes resident wellness. At CC Young, we focus on whole-person wellness, using the 7 Pillars of Wellness as defined by the International Council on Active Aging: physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, vocational, and environmental wellness. Thats also the backbone of the PATHWAYS program, which promotes active aging regardless of cognitive issues. From these pillars, we have designed a comprehensive therapeutic program to support the needs of those with mild cognitive impairment in a joyful, engaging environment.PATHWAYS offers an intimate caregiver-to-resident ratio. Part of what makes PATHWAYS so successful is that the CC Young staff works closely with residents, which means the staff will notice any cognitive changes. In fact, at 1 caregiver to 7 people, the caregiver-to-resident ratio in PATHWAYS is better than both Assisted Living and Memory Support, which are 1 to 25 and 1 to 10, respectively. That also results in PATHWAYS residents becoming like family, as the staff truly gets to know them.PATHWAYS is not just for CC Young residents. Its true anyone from the Dallas community who has a need for the program can become a PATHWAYS resident. Upon entering the PATHWAYS program, your family member would also become an Assisted Living resident in The Hillside at CC Young.PATHWAYS is a less stressful transition for both family members and residents. It can certainly be stressful for families to face the decision of whether or not their family member should enter Memory Support. PATHWAYS offers a comforting solution for both them and their loved ones, as it lessens the pressure of deciding whether full Memory Support is needed now. The PATHWAYS resident may be able to live out their days in the PATHWAYS program or eventually transition to Memory Support, if the need arises.PATHWAYS keeps residents engaged and prevents isolation. To keep PATHWAYS residents engaged, the program takes an active and intentional approach to life enrichment activities, which includes participating in activities on the Assisted Living calendar as well as a specialized PATHWAYS calendar. The biggest differentiator for PATHWAYS is that a dedicated support staff member helps residents plan their day and escorts them to the activities. Since we purposely guide residents to keep them engaged, they are able to remain active and enjoy a better quality of life, while also avoiding any isolation that can be a symptom of cognitive decline.PATHWAYS is just one more service that CC Young offers current and prospective residents and their families. When we noticed an increase of older adults experiencing various levels of cognitive decline but not necessarily to the level of needing Memory Support we wanted to do something about it. We put our heads together and created a solution: PATHWAYS.If you are noticing cognitive decline in someone you love, we encourage you to have a conversation to express what youre observing. Talking to your primary care physician is a good place to start. CC Young is also happy to provide information, so feel free to give us a call at 214-305-9662.
What Long-Term Care Services Does Medicaid Cover in Colorado? Navigating the complexities of long-term care can be overwhelming, especially for seniors and caregivers. If you're in Colorado and exploring options, Long-Term Care Medicaid offers essential support for seniors needing extended care services. Here's what it typically covers:Services Covered by Long-Term Care Medicaid: Nursing Home Care, Assisted Living, or Memory Care: Comprehensive medical and personal care for those in living communities. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, provided in the comfort of your home or community. Adult Day Care: Structured programs that offer supervision, social interaction, and activities for seniors needing daytime assistance. Real-Life Example:One of our clients, with $100,000 in cash, a home, 2 cars, and a monthly income of $4,000, successfully qualified for Long-Term Care Medicaid. With professional assistance, they were able to access these vital services without exhausting their resources.Colorado's Medicaid program is designed to ensure seniors receive the care they need while protecting their financial well-being. If you're considering applying for Long-Term Care Medicaid, dont hesitate to explore how you, too, can qualify. Take the questionnaire to see if you qualify! www.doinggoodforothers.com/questionnaire
5 Key Things to Know About Memory Care for Your Loved OneIn the case of a family member who has memory loss, including Alzheimers or other forms of dementia, the decision on which care option to choose is crucial. Memory care facilities offer their residents special care that is suitable for people who need help with the basic activities of daily living because of their cognitive problems. In this blog post, you will learn the five most important things that every person should know about memory care to make a right choice for their family. 1. Memory Care Offers Special Consideration for Dementia Patients Memory care is a particular kind of long-term care which aims at addressing the needs of people who are in the process of being affected by Alzheimers disease, dementia or any other form of cognitive dysfunction. While normal assisted living facilities can be adequate for those who are in the early stages of the disease, memory care units are fully equipped with staff to help deal with the problems that are associated with the advanced stages of the disease.What to Expect from Memory Care: 24/7 Supervision: Trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with daily activities and ensure the safety of residents. Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a care plan tailored to their specific needs, including medication management, physical care, and emotional support. Cognitive Therapies and Activities: Memory care facilities offer specialized programs and activities designed to stimulate memory and encourage cognitive function.2. It is Crucial to Identify the Various Forms of Memory Care Memory care is not the same in every facility and it is imperative to know the kinds of care that are available in order to get the right care for your loved one. Some of the memory care facilities are ones that are mainly involved in offering medical care to the clients and those that mainly offer activities and social relations. Types of Memory Care Services: Inpatient Memory Care: This is common and is usually offered in a facility that is furnished for the use of patients with memory problems. Respite Memory Care: It is short-term care which can give a breather to the family caregivers and at the same time ensure that the loved one is well taken care of in a comfortable atmosphere. Home-Based Memory Care: There are cases when a specially trained in memory care home health aide can help in the persons own home. 3. One has to be very careful when choosing a facility for someone with memory issues as the safety of the person is of utmost importance.Another issue that is of so much concern when one is taking care of someone with memory impairment is the issue of safety. Memory care facilities are facilities which are intended to reduce the likelihood of a patient's wandering and other safety concerns that are associated with dementia.Safety Features to Look for in Memory Care: Secure Areas: Another common feature that is found in many memory care units is secured entry and exit to ensure that the residents do not wander away. Safe Environment: The environment should be in a way that does not confuse the patient, and there should be proper signs and directions to avoid accidents. Emergency Response Systems: Memory care facilities have systems that enable the staff to respond to the patients needs as soon as they are needed. 4. Memory Care Increases Social Contacts and Participation Memory-Stimulating Games: Activities like puzzles, board games, and memory exercises are designed to improve cognitive function and keep the mind engaged. Group Activities: Social events like music therapy, art classes, or outings encourage interaction with others and help combat loneliness. Personalized Care Activities: Based on individual preferences, activities such as gardening, pet therapy, or reminiscing can promote emotional connection and engagement. 5. What is the Cost of Memory Care and How to Plan for It It is, therefore, important to have a good understanding of the cost of memory care as it is a critical decision. It is, however, important to note that the cost varies depending on the location, the type of facility and the level of intensity. What to Know About Memory Care Costs: Average Costs: It is important to note that memory care is more expensive than other assisted living facilities since the person in question requires a lot of attention. Insurance and Assistance: Some of the long-term care insurance policies may also help to pay for memory care services and Medicaid in some states. Additional Costs: It is necessary to find out if there are other charges for services like medications, special therapies or other specific care. Some Guidelines in Selecting the Right Memory Care Facility Visit Multiple Facilities: Do not stop at the first facility. It is recommended that you should visit several memory care facilities in order to compare and contrast the environment, the personnel and the services provided. Ask About Staff Training: It should be checked if the staff members have undergone training in dementia care and if they have dealt with cognitive disabilities before. Consider Proximity: Select a memory care home which is nearest to your home in order to visit your family member often especially if you visit often. Memory care is an important type of care for elderly people who have cognitive disabilities and the type of facility that one chooses will have a big impact on the quality of life of the affected person. It is therefore important to get a brief overview of what memory care is, what it can do for you and how much it will cost. It is not a journey that you have to take alone. For more information about how we can support you, please call 800-201-9989 or email info@seniorsbluebook.com to discuss your options for the best memory care for your loved one.This blog post provides families with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about memory care for their loved ones, ensuring that they receive the best possible care in a supportive environment.
Dont Let a Stroke Ruin Your RetirementYour risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease increases as you age. But the good news is 80% of stroke and cardiovascular disease CAN be prevented.1 If you are age 50 or older, you should be screened.Often there arent any symptoms of a stroke before it occurs, in fact for 4 out of 5 people who have a stroke the first symptom of any illness is the actual stroke.2 But, you can take steps to find out if youre at risk.Life Line Screening is a premier provider of preventive screenings for stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. A simple appointment can identify your risk factors and provide peace of mind or early detection.Screenings are easy, painless, non-invasive and dont require any messy prep work.Life Line Screening has over 14,000 locations across the United States so you can find one close to you.Getting screened is affordable. The most popular package at Life Line Screening includes 5 screenings in 1 appointment for $149.Get the most out of your life! Find out your stroke and cardiovascular disease risk with Life Line Screening so you can be in control and do something about it.***CLICK HERE*** to schedule your appointment! A simple screening can be worth a lifetime.1 American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/advocate/federal-priorities/cdc-prevention-programs2 Hackam DG, Karpral MK, et al. Most stroke patients do not get a warning, a Population Based Cohort Study. Sept. 2009. Neurology, 73, 1074-1075.
If You Have A Hearing, Vision Or Mobility Problems Accessing Or Using A Telephone - You May Qualify For A Free Telephone! 4 out of 5 Americans over the age of 60 have some hearing, vision or mobility loss. There is help however and it is paid for by you through a government program called STAP, Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program, by a small charge each month on your telephone bill. Why not take advantage of a benefit youre paying for already? Contact Laura Carr, STAP to learn more about this program and show you what equipment youre eligible to receive FREE OF CHARGE! To qualify, you must be a Texas resident with a problem with vision, hearing or mobility. You are entitled to one FREE phone every 5 years. You can get a cell phone, landline, smartphone or tablet, depending on your disability. Must provide proof of residency. Acceptable forms of residency include:* Texas Drivers License* ID card with address* Voters Registration card* Letter from facility on their stationery* Utility Bill (current - showing address)* Vehicle registration card* Medicaid ID* Medicare Summary This program is for any Texas Resident that has a Vision, Hearing, Mobility- including cognitive problems. They are entitled to FREE telephone equipment (just the device) and they have to pay their monthly charges to their telephone service provider. Depending on their impairment, they may qualifiy for a Landline Telephone with a medical alert system; a Regular Cell Phone (where they can make calls, text, take photos including a medical alert button on the back. If they have a hearing problem, they can receive a 2-way texting device - an Android Smart Phone or Android Tablet. They have to provide their proof of residency for the State of Texas: a current drivers license, Texas ID, Voters Registration Card or a Utility bill showing their name & current address & date. Laura can assist with completing an application, take a photo of their proof of residency - attach to their signed application & send it to STAP headquarters in Austin, Texas. The State processes their application & mails the Voucher for the equipment, directly to the Resident. Once they receive the Voucher, they contact Laura and she will deliver the equipment that is authorized on the voucher to the Resident. NO MONEY CHANGES HANDS. Laura Carr, STAP Specialist has worked with this program for 16 years.Contact Laura at 214-388-0088 or LauraCarr@prodigy.net