A study(1) in 69 care homes in the United Kingdom affirms principles that Action Pact’s PersonFirst® train-the-trainer program has advanced for 20 years – that person-centered care with meaningful social interaction as simple as daily chats can improve quality of life for people living with dementia and enhance their relationships with caregivers.
We know a nursing home can be a noisy place and many organizations have been working to reduce the noise, especially of overhead pagers, for example, in an effort to create a calmer environment. But according to a recent study by Dr. Laura Joosse, Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, elevated sound levels can also add to the agitation of those living with dementia. Continue reading “Noise in Nursing Homes”→
As I sit at home writing this, I am warmed by a cuddly kitty in my lap and a dog at my side on the couch. My pets (I have four in all) are a core element of what home means to me. When I think about the attachment to my pets and the comfort they provide me, I realize they fulfill what Tom Kitwood describes in his book Dementia Reconsideredas the “human needs.” Continue reading “Caring for a Pet Helps Meet Essential Human Needs”→
The 21st Century’s British Invasion seems to be that of highly engaging BBC television series. Downton Abbey and SherlockHolmes have a rabid fan following. Call the Midwife, a series based on the memoirs of a nurse working in London’s East End in the 1950s, is all sorts of charming as well. In addition to being entertaining, the Call the Midwife holiday special offers a great lesson in person-centered care of elders, especially those living with dementia. Continue reading “Reflecting on Person-Centered Care with Call the Midwife”→
One of the best parts of my job as a writer for Action Pact is getting to hear all the great ideas folks have to enhance the lives of the residents in their organization, especially those living with dementia. These often require thinking outside of the box of the way things have always been done. Continue reading “The Bus Between Two Realities: Meeting Elders Where They Are”→
Megan Hannan, creator of PersonFirst®, addresses the need to create an environment where people living with dementia can make decisions and experience life like an adult.
I love growing PersonFirst® teams. For many reasons, it is highly satisfying to collaborate with caring, willing people to really think through and then take action to empower those who live with dementia. And what I love most is how much I learn every time I engage with a new team. This year, one of the things I learned was from a CNA who is a Neighborhood Coordinator in a dementia specific neighborhood. It is the very simple and very powerful thing she says she teaches all of her staff: wait. Wait at least 90 seconds for someone who lives with dementia to answer or respond. Do not ask again, do not suggest, just patiently, wait.
This was such an easy thing to remember that is stuck with me. And I try to use it.
Photo by Alexander Raths
One morning recently, I was visiting a newly opened household. My mission was to find out how life and work was unfolding and to be able to offer any support or suggestions. To do this I talked with as many people living and working there as I could. The household I was in was nicely appointed, wide open spaces, the kitchen and dining area opening into the living area where here were comfy chairs, a table with chairs and a couch. At the table, Marge was sitting in her wheelchair. I introduced myself and asked her name. Then I explained my mission and asked, “What do you like about living here?” I then waited…30, 60, 90 seconds passed. I am not a patient person, usually. I am much better about it when serving those who live with dementia, but it is not my nature to be patient – but I waited.
After about two and a half minutes, Marge said, “It’s quiet here.”
“Oh,” I said, “What else do you like about living here?” And… I waited.
This time she answered in about 60 seconds, “The space.” Then she nodded her head and shut her eyes. I took that as a signal that she was, in fact, finished speaking with me.
I went on to talk with others who live and work in that house, moving around the space, until lunch time when I found myself back at the table in the living room with Marge who was still sitting there though now awake. I greeted her by name and sat down. Presently, the household leader came to remind Marge that is was lunchtime. She said, “May I take you over to the dining room?”
Marge replied, “No.” She then looked at me and asked, “Will you take me to the dining room?”
I was surprised, but mostly honored. What I think happened is that I waited…. and listened, and heard. Even people who feel in their hearts that they care deeply, at times do not recognize that interactions that may be slow, soft and quiet often grow a relationship. I did take Marge over to the dining room. We ate at the same table. She said little. I said little. Yet, we were together for that time.
Megan Hannan, MS, is an Executive Leader at Action Pact and has provided leadership in long-term care for over 25 years. Megan developed Action Pact’s signature train the trainer program, PersonFirst®. She serves on the Board of Directors of The Pioneer Network.
Neighbors blog - from Action Pact 