Use music, dance and poems to connect to people living with Alzheimer’s Disease

Roseanne Burke (above), a Dementia Care Consultant from Keji Consulting, joined us for our November meeting.

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dementia is a physical condition of the brain that changes everything over time.

It is not something a person can control and is different for every person.

It is very difficult for the person living with dementia, and it’s difficult for their family, but at our November meeting dementia care consultant Roseanne Burke, from Keji Consulting, talked about things we can do to help – even though there is no cure.

Slow down
Since vision and language are affected with dementia, caregivers should slow down, approach from the front and do not touch until you have connected visually and verbally.

Phrases to avoid
It is helpful to speak slowly and in simple sentences and avoid saying, “Remember I told you…” and asking “Who am I?”. Simplify questions Roseanne suggests avoiding open ended questions: instead frame your questions so they can be answered with a simple yes or no.

Connect with rhythm
The right temporal lobe functions are preserved with dementia, which means faculties involving rhythm remain intact. Singing, dancing, spirituality and poetry are great ways to connect with a person who has dementia.

To provide the best care possible for the person with dementia, care providers can learn about dementia and the symptoms, develop helpful communications and organizational skills, and build resources.

Care providers need to remember that it is important to take care of themselves. Don’t feel you are alone in trying to deal with this challenging condition. Know what resources are available, and don’t be afraid to use them. We list some in the panel on the right.