Monday, October 11, 2010

VISITS WITH VALUE!

Diana Waugh has presented the VISITS WITH VAUE program more than 35 times to over 3000 enthusiastic long term care providers in 13 states.


One of her rewarding events was when she traveled with the Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains speaking at four locations across Nebraska and Wyoming to over 150 family members and 240 long term care healthcare professionals.


She was also interviewed by Cathy Blythe of KFOR in Lincoln, NE. It was energetic and helpful. Here's the link to listen to a portion of that interview.


As expected, Diana offered many practical and immediately useable tips to assist staff members in teaching residents' families and friends how to have successful conversations with their loved one with cognitive loss. Maintaining a calm contented atmosphere during visits leads to increased resident and family satisfaction.

Although each recommendation is priceless (just ask Diana!) here are a few that Diana would suggest that you commit to memory:



1. Empower families by explaining that short-term memory questions often lead to increased anxiety for the resident.


2. Encourage families to refrain from the use of the words "NO" and "DO YOU REMEMBER?"


3. Help families explore the remaining strengths their loved one possesses. Often the focus is on what's missing not on what strengths the resident still exhibits.


4. Teach families through demonstration of successful conversation techniques utilizing the resident's long term memories.


5. Assist family members with their homework to capture the stories and likes of their loved one.


What Would You Do if....


1. A resident continues to ask for their husband who is deceased.


Diana would suggest you teach them to say "Tell me the neatest thing about your husband." Reminiscing with good memories about their loved one will fill their five minute concentration span with pleasant memories while the hope is they will leave the topic contented.


2. A family is distressed because their mother doesn't remember the new grand child.


Diana suggests that you use the phrase "I was thinking about my new grand child, Tommy." If their mother recalls the child they will join in the conversation. If not, the story belongs to the family member and does not demand that their mother "remember."



Diana's DVD VISITS WITH VALUE gives additional tips as you demonstrate your knowledge as a dementia expert with family members.


Want to ask Diana a specific question? Visit her CONTACT US page and ask away!

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