Forum Discussion

What is his social profile? Find out more about his interests. His wife can also build on this

Bronwyn mentioned the social profile, which is also known as the Life History. There are several forms out there that you can use to capture the resident's Life History. Once you figure out what the resident enjoyed in the past, you can still help him enjoy those things now, even when there is cognitive impairment.

Use the words, "Let's" So instead of asking a "Yes" or "No" question, use the words "Let's"

"Let's get cleaned up" instead of "Do you want to get a shower"
"Let's go check out..." instead of "Do you want to try this activity"
"Let's go for a walk!"

Anytime a person with cognitive impairment is asked a "Yes" or "No" question, the answer is always NO and there will be some hesitation.

Check out Teepa Snow on youtube. She is a great instructor for Dementia Care.

I agree - having worked with dementia patients for a quite a while and challenging behaviour for over 2 years, I soon learned that choices must always have a positive outcome.

If your patient previously enjoyed music, you could engage him in looking at record sleeves - talking about the performer. If he was a nature lover, suggest a walk, saying "would you like to see if we can find a squirrel or would you rather look for a rose" for example. No options for no there - it will make him think a little and may spark a memory.

Good luck and bless you for caring so much.

Hi Joan, when your client is sitting down I would try to engage him in 'doing' something. For instance, give him a box of colourful milk tops and four smaller Tupperware containers. Ask him to 'help' you to sort them out into separate colours. Also, find out his past interests and get books on the subjects. When he is pacing, you could (if possible) accompany him for a little while to build rapport. I would also try to awaken his interest in gardening; watering plants, or giving him a pair of pruners to prune a shrub. I hope this helps. Cheers.

Can you "buddy" him up with another resident with similar interests and get them together for a coffee and chat about the things they like etc.