I just viewed several modules of training on communication techniques for dementia clients. I wasn't feeling very well today so thought this would be a good time to catch up on some professional education. As I am viewing the modules it got me to thinking about a problem our family was having.
We had lost a very beloved dog named Ruby several months ago to a brain tumor. Our Golden Retriever as well as our whole family and office staff felt the hole she left in our home. Within a few days Ron, my husband, searched high and low for a replacement. Ron ended up ordering a puppy that was due around Christmas. This was our gift to each other this year.
A few weeks back Ron drove to the breeder with our son Jesse to pick up Shelby. When he returned I was working late at the office so he stopped by and showed me the cutest puppy. Ron then broke the news to me that he got two and that Jesse was with him at home. Ouch! I knew what we were in for. It took us about a week to settle on another name, Sasha. This was to be Jesse's dog and he promised to take care of it. Yep, you guessed it Mom and Dad are doing the bulk of the cleaning up and supervision of the puppies.
Well, this is where the communication video comes in. We have so many ways to communicate with each other and when you lack processing or have gaps in processing you need to reassess the situation and find a way to connect. Not only to individuals but puppies too!
Eye contact with a smile is a start. Then you need to find out something they love whether it be cooking, a love of poetry or TREATS! Once you find that connection then you can learn to hopefully solve a problem or win over the heart of your favorite client or in our case Shelby and Sasha. We are finding out yelling, NO and running to them doesn't work. Think....someone huge screaming at me and coming to me. I would be scared to death and run in the opposite direction. Think of how you approach a senior. Be gentle, move slowly, be in front of them, speak slow and clear, use their name and introduce yourself. You will have a positive effect. One step directions if you need to give instructions on how to complete an activity. Always compliment them.
I was just reminded of a complaint a family had on a local nursing facility that specializes in dementia care. The daughter had mentioned her observation of their staff by saying, "My dad appears to be just another piece of furniture in the facility." She claims staff pass by all the time and never seem to acknowledge him. This facility could truly improve on their communication by at least acknowledging the resident and having some positive connection as they walk on by. They need to create a culture of positive communication.
Our family will begin training in classes this week to learn and shape behaviors. I truly loved attending classes with Sonny and now Ron and Jesse will be training our next two therapy dogs so we can all visit together at nursing facilities and bring some big smiles and laughter into the rooms.
Communication is key to success!
