For more information about the author, click to view their website: Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas
Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | "Yes and..." Technique 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 As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may have trouble communicating and may become withdrawn and isolated.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. One of these strategies is the "Yes and..." technique. Learning the "Yes and..." technique can ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
"Yes and..." technique
The improv - yes and is a communication technique that can be particularly effective when communicating with someone with dementia. This technique involves accepting what the person is saying and building on it, rather than correcting or contradicting them. Here are a few ways in which improv - yes and can be useful when communicating with someone with dementia:
Validation: By using improv - yes and, you are validating the person's experience and showing that you are listening and accepting what they are saying. This can help to reduce frustration and increase a sense of connection and understanding.
Building on the conversation: Rather than trying to correct or redirect the conversation, using improv - yes and can help to build on what the person is saying and keep the conversation flowing. This can be particularly helpful when the person is struggling to find the right words or is experiencing memory loss.
Encouraging creativity and imagination: Improv - yes and can also encourage creativity and imagination. By accepting and building on what the person is saying, you are creating a safe and supportive environment where they can express themselves freely and without fear of judgement.
Reducing anxiety: Communication can be stressful and anxiety-provoking for individuals with dementia. Using improv - yes and can help to reduce anxiety by creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, where the person feels heard and understood.
Using improv - yes and can be a powerful tool when communicating with someone with dementia. By validating their experiences, building on the conversation, encouraging creativity and imagination, and reducing anxiety, you can help to create a positive and supportive communication environment that can benefit both the person with dementia and their care provider.
Teaching someone the improv - yes and communication technique:
Teaching someone the improv - yes and communication technique can be a fun and engaging process. By explaining the concept, modeling the technique, practicing, providing feedback, and reinforcing the technique, you can help the person to improve their communication skills and create a more positive and supportive communication environment.
Example of using the "yes and" technique with someone with advanced dementia:
In this example, the caregiver uses the "yes and" technique to validate the person's feelings and experiences, even though they may be experiencing some confusion or disorientation due to their advanced dementia. By acknowledging the person's memories and encouraging them to share more, the caregiver can create a positive and engaging communication environment that helps the person with advanced dementia feel heard and understood. The caregiver also reinforces the person's memories by acknowledging the positive experiences they had with their dog Sadie, which can help to promote a sense of well-being and connection.
Using the "Yes and..." improv technique 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.
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/
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.
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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.
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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.
When Going Home Isnt the Next Step: A Guide for Monmouth & Ocean County FamiliesWhen an older loved one needs more support, families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. A hospital discharge may lead to rehabilitation. A fall may reveal that living alone is no longer safe. Or a family caregiver may realize that managing medications, meals, personal care, and medical appointments has become too much to handle alone.The good news is that senior care isn't one-size-fits-all. Depending on a person's needs, there are options ranging from short-term rehabilitation to assisted living and long-term skilled nursing care.For families across the Jersey Shore, Complete Care provides a continuum of senior care services through multiple communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including locations in Holmdel, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Wall, Shrewsbury, Toms River, and Brick.Understanding the Right Level of CareOne of the most important steps in choosing senior care is understanding what type of support a loved one actually needs.Post-Acute RehabilitationAfter a hospitalization, surgery, stroke, illness, or injury, an older adult may not be ready to return home immediately. Post-acute rehabilitation provides a bridge between the hospital and home, helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence.Depending on the location and individual needs, Complete Care provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy along with nursing and clinical support.For families in Toms River, Brick, Wall, and surrounding communities, having rehabilitation options nearby can make it easier for family members to remain involved during recovery.Skilled NursingSome individuals need more than therapy. Skilled nursing may be appropriate for people who require ongoing medical monitoring, wound care, medication management, chronic disease management, or other specialized clinical services.Complete Care communities offer a variety of clinical programs, with services differing by location. These may include orthopedic and postsurgical care, cardiac care, wound care, neurological and stroke care, pulmonary care, and memory care.When comparing skilled nursing communities, families should ask specifically about the clinical services available at each location.Assisted LivingAssisted living can be a good option for older adults who need help with daily activities but still want to maintain as much independence as possible.Support may include assistance with bathing, dressing, medications, meals, and other everyday routines, along with opportunities for social engagement and activities.For families in Holmdel, Middletown, Red Bank, Freehold, and neighboring Monmouth County communities, assisted living can offer an alternative to managing increasing care needs at home.Long-Term CareFor some seniors, rehabilitation is only one step in a longer care journey. Chronic illness, cognitive impairment, disability, or increasing difficulty with daily activities may eventually require ongoing nursing support.Long-term care provides assistance around the clock while also addressing the social and emotional needs that contribute to quality of life.A Local Presence MattersFor families choosing senior care, location can be an important consideration.Being close to home makes it easier for spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends to visit regularly and remain involved in care. That's particularly meaningful in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, where families may live in neighboring communities but still want their loved one to remain close to their established support system.Complete Care has a broad local presence, with communities serving residents throughout the region. Its Monmouth County locations include communities in Holmdel, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Wall Township, and Shrewsbury. Ocean County options include multiple communities in Toms River and Brick Township.Because services vary by location, families should contact the individual community to determine which level of care and specialized programs are available.What Should Families Look For?Whether you're looking for assisted living in Monmouth County, skilled nursing in Ocean County, or rehabilitation following a hospital stay, consider more than just the building.Ask: What level of care does my loved one need today? What happens if their needs change? What rehabilitation and therapy services are available? Does the community offer specialized clinical care? How involved can family members be in the care plan? What activities and social opportunities are available? How close is the community to family? And whenever possible, visit in person.Notice how staff interact with residents. Ask questions. Talk with the admissions and care teams. Pay attention to whether residents appear engaged and comfortable.These observations can help families understand what daily life may actually feel like for their loved one.Planning Before a CrisisMany families begin researching senior care only after a crisisa fall, hospitalization, diagnosis, or caregiver burnout.Planning ahead can provide more choices and less pressure.Even if your loved one isn't ready for assisted living or long-term care today, learning about senior care communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties can help your family understand what resources are available if circumstances change.Having these conversations early also gives older adults an opportunity to participate in decisions about their own future.Complete Care in Monmouth & Ocean CountiesFor families looking for assisted living, post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or long-term care in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Complete Care offers multiple local communities and a range of care services.The right choice will depend on your loved one's medical needs, level of independence, preferences, and family circumstances. Taking the time to understand those needsand exploring local options before a crisis occurscan make the process easier for everyone.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat types of care does Complete Care provide?Complete Care offers assisted living, post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. Specific services and clinical programs vary by location.Where does Complete Care serve Monmouth County?Complete Care has communities in areas including Holmdel, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Wall Township, and Shrewsbury.Where does Complete Care serve Ocean County?Complete Care has multiple communities in Toms River and Brick Township, among other nearby locations.What is post-acute rehabilitation?Post-acute rehabilitation helps individuals recover after hospitalization, surgery, illness, or injury. Therapy and nursing services are designed to help patients regain function and return home safely when possible.If you're researching senior care options in Monmouth or Ocean County, NJ, visit Complete Care's Seniors Blue Book listing for more information about available services and local care options.
Aging rarely follows a predictable path. Learn how CareAparent helps Minnesota seniors remain at home with personal care, skilled nursing, therapy and support that evolves as care needs change.One month, an older adult may be living completely independently. Later, they may need a little help around the house, assistance after a hospital stay, physical therapy to regain strength, medication management or more advanced nursing support.For families, each change can bring another round of questions.Who should we call? What kind of care does Mom need now? Will we need to find another provider? Who will coordinate everything?Those questions can become especially stressful when a family is already dealing with a hospitalization, illness or sudden change in a loved one's abilities.That's why having a care provider that can adapt as needs change can make such a difference.For more than 10 years, CareAparent has helped Minnesota seniors and their families receive personalized care in the place many older adults most want to remaintheir own home. Today, CareAparent provides a continuum of in-home services throughout the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. CareAparentIt May Start With Just a Little HelpSometimes the first sign that an aging parent needs assistance is subtle.Maybe Dad isn't keeping up with housekeeping like he once did. Mom may be having difficulty getting dressed or safely taking a shower. Meals aren't being prepared regularly, medications are becoming confusing, or an adult child is spending more and more time helping with everyday tasks.That doesn't necessarily mean an older adult can no longer live independently.The right support can help make independence possible for longer.CareAparent provides personal care that can include assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as light housekeeping, laundry and medication reminders. Care can be customized based on the individual's needs rather than forcing the person into a predetermined schedule or level of service. CareAparentFor families, that flexibility matters.The goal isn't to take over someone's life. It's to provide enough assistance so the person can continue participating in it.Then Something ChangesA fall occurs.There's a hospital stay.A chronic condition becomes more difficult to manage.An older adult needs help recovering from surgery.Suddenly, the type of support that worked six months ago may no longer be enough.This is where continuity of care becomes particularly important.Instead of requiring a family to begin searching for an entirely different organization, CareAparent can provide skilled services through licensed medical professionals, including skilled nursing, medication management, wound care, physical therapy and occupational therapy. CareAparentThat allows care to evolve along with the person.Coming Home From the Hospital Can Be a Vulnerable TimeDischarge day can feel like a victoryand it is.But getting home doesn't necessarily mean the recovery is finished.There may be new medications to manage, mobility limitations, wounds requiring attention, exercises to complete or everyday activities that suddenly feel more difficult.Family members may receive discharge instructions but still wonder how they're going to manage everything once their loved one gets home.CareAparent specifically works with individuals transitioning home from hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other acute-care settings. Its skilled services are designed to support recovery and continuity of care in the home. CareAparentFor an older adult, recovering in familiar surroundings can also mean sleeping in their own bed, following familiar routines and remaining close to the people and things that bring comfort.Therapy Can Help Restore IndependencePhysical and occupational therapy aren't simply about completing exercises.They can be important tools for maintaining independence.Physical therapists can work with older adults experiencing pain, injury, illness or age-related declines in mobility. Treatment can address strength, balance, endurance and safer movement.Occupational therapists look at everyday functionhelping individuals find safer and more effective ways to accomplish the activities that are important in daily life.Together, those services can help an older adult work toward a very meaningful goal:Doing more for themselves. CareAparentFamilies Need Support TooWhen someone needs care, the impact extends beyond that individual.Spouses and adult children frequently become caregivers themselvescoordinating appointments, checking medications, helping with meals, managing household responsibilities and worrying about what happens when they aren't there.Over time, those responsibilities can become overwhelming.Professional in-home care can provide something important for both generations.The older adult receives personalized assistance.The family gets to spend more time being family.That distinction matters.A daughter shouldn't always have to be the nurse, housekeeper or care coordinator. A spouse shouldn't have to handle every caregiving responsibility alone.Having trusted support can make the entire family's situation more manageable.Specialized Support for Minnesota VeteransVeterans and their families may also have access to services they don't realize are available.CareAparent serves veterans throughout the seven-county Twin Cities metro as a Home Health Community Provider. Depending upon eligibility and authorization, VA-supported services can include skilled nursing, therapy, respite care, homemaking and home health aide assistance. CareAparentFor families of veterans, understanding available benefits can be an important part of developing a long-term care plan.One Relationship as Needs EvolvePerhaps one of the most reassuring things a family can hear is:You don't have to figure out the next step alone.CareAparent's model is designed around continuity. Personal care, skilled nursing, therapy and additional support can work together so that when circumstances change, the care plan can change too. CareAparentThat can mean fewer unfamiliar faces, fewer transitions between organizations and less time for families spent searching for the next provider.Instead, there is one relationship and a care team that already understands the individual.Aging at Home Should Still Feel Like HomeUltimately, home care isn't simply about completing tasks.It's about helping someone continue living a life that feels familiar and meaningful.It's having coffee in your own kitchen.Sleeping in your own bed.Seeing neighbors you recognize.Following your own schedule.Having family visit without visiting hours.And continuing to make choices about how you live your day.CareAparent describes its approach as combining clinical care with hospitality and personalized attention. The organization has served Minnesota families for more than a decade and provides care throughout Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. CareAparentAs needs change, the answer doesn't always have to be changing where someone lives.Sometimes, the answer is bringing the right care to where they already call home. Learn more about CareAparent's personalized in-home care services and find resources to help your family navigate changing care needs. Call us at 651-702-HOME (4663) or visit our website at www.careaparent.com
Caring for a parent or spouse is an act of love. It's also one of the hardest jobs there is. Family caregivers often put their own needs last for months or even years, until their health, relationships, and patience start to wear thin. That's caregiver burnout, and it's far more common than most people admit.Recognizing the signs early can protect both you and the person you care for.7 Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout1. You're exhausted even after sleeping. Constant vigilance, especially with dementia, can leave you tired no matter how much rest you get.2. You've stopped seeing friends. Social plans feel impossible, so you've quietly let them go.3. You feel irritable or resentful. Snapping at your loved one, then feeling guilty about it, is a classic sign of stress overload.4. Your own health is slipping. Missed checkups, poor eating, new aches, or getting sick more often.5. You feel hopeless or numb. Sadness that doesn't lift, or feeling detached from things you used to enjoy.6. You can't concentrate. Forgetting your own appointments or struggling to focus at work.7. You believe no one else can do it. Feeling that you alone must provide every moment of care is often a sign you need help most.If several of these sound familiar, it's time to build some support into your week. If you ever feel you can't go on, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.What Is Respite Care?Respite care is short-term relief for family caregivers. It can mean a few hours of in-home help, a short stay in a residential community, or, for many families, a regular schedule at an adult day center.Adult day care is one of the most practical forms of respite because it's consistent. You know that on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for example, your loved one is safe, fed, engaged, and cared for, and you can plan your life around that.Respite and Caregiver Support at Town Square University ParkwayTown Square University Parkway in Sarasota was built to support the whole family. While members enjoy activities, meals, and social time across 15 nostalgic storefronts, caregivers get dependable time to work, rest, or simply breathe.The center also serves as a community resource for caregivers in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton:Free assessments to help you understand your loved one's physical, cognitive, and emotional health.Weekly caregiver support groups where you can talk with people who truly understand.Monthly educational classes on topics that help you care with more confidence.Free respite during these events, so you can attend without worrying about who's watching your loved one.Caring for Yourself Is Part of Caring for ThemTaking a break isn't giving up. It's what allows you to keep going. Caregivers who get regular respite are often able to keep their loved ones at home longer, with more patience and energy. If you're feeling stretched thin, reach out to Town Square University Parkway to learn about respite options and upcoming support groups.About Town Square University ParkwayTown Square University Parkway is an adult day center serving families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and throughout Manatee County. It offers a nostalgic setting, purposeful programming, nursing oversight, on-site medical services, and free caregiver support. Call today to schedule a tour or a free assessment.Town Square University Parkway8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Unit 55, Sarasota, FL 34243Phone: 941-277-5048Web: seniorsbluebook.com/senior-resources/town-square-university-parkway
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 [email protected]
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.