1. A Positive Approach Maria Mathews Client Support Manager Thank you to the Thomas Sill Foundation for its commitment to community education for care providers in Manitoba.

2.  Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia.  It is not a normal part of aging.  There were approximately 480,000 (1.5% of population) Canadians living with ADRD in 2008.  By 2038 that number is expected to grow to 1,125,000 Canadians (2.8% of population).

3.  May have difficulties:  identifying everyday objects and their surroundings.  understanding the passage of time.  recognizing family or friends.  recognizing their own reflection.  may create stories to explain things. that don’t make sense to them.

4. A person with Dementia or A Person with dementia 4

5. Group Exercise What comes to mind when you think of a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

6. Their “Personhood”  life history  a desire to belong  affection  sense of humour  desire to contribute  expertise and knowledge  need for care

7. 7%Verbal 38%Tone 55%Non-verbal

11. F-face the person O-Orientate the person to the topic C-Continue on the same topic U-Unstick by suggesting a word S-Structure questions so choice can be recognized E-Exchange ideas in daily conversation D-Direct, short, simple sentences -D. Ripich; San Antonio TX 1996

12. Approach slowly from the front and move to the side. Maintain eye contact. Use positive body language (handshake) or crouch to be on same level. Call by name and introduce yourself.

13. Use short, concise language Offer choices Ask for their help Ask them to try Break the task down step by step If not working, stop, assess why & try again!

14.  Know something about them.  Relive the past with them.  Enjoy the times when the person has “crystal moments.”  Make connections through using:  A smiling approach  A gentle touch  An invitation to spend time together  Enjoying the “crystal” moments

15.  Encourage the person to participate in conversation at meal times, with others in social settings and at the person’s leisure.  Approach the person expecting them to have something to contribute.  Initiate conversation about topics from the person’s long term memory and draw them toward their adult experience.

16.  Maria Mathews  Manager of Client Support  Alzheimer Society of Manitoba  mmathews@alzheimer.mb.ca mmathews@alzheimer.mb.ca  www.alzheimer.mb.ca www.alzheimer.mb.ca