1. Watch your pitch, tone and speed… Supporting Those with Memory Loss & Their Caregivers Joy Bodnar, Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community

2. Early-Stage Caregiving Organizing & Planning Keeping appointments Recalling words or names Remembering familiar places or people Managing money Medication management Driving Support Groups Care Partner Assists with…

3. Resources Cross Keys Village Memory Support Jennifer Holcomb M.S., NHA, CDP Director of Memory Support Phone: 624-5474 j.holcomb@crosskeysvillage.org

4. Middle-Stage Caregiving Relationship changes Safety – Cannot be alone Requires flexibility & patience More assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming Minimize stimulation Good days & challenging days Behavior management Caregiver More assistance needed

5. Don’ts… Assume that every person with dementia is alike Talk as though the person is not present Speak to the person as if he/she were a child Quizzing the person: “Don’t You Remember?” Share negative stories or events Argue with or correct the person

6. Tell the person your name Use simple words and short sentences Patiently wait for a response Respond to the person’s feelings Be patient and calm Offer comfort & reassurance Limit distractions Do’s …

7. Watch your pitch, tone and speed…

8. Late-Stage Caregiving Play favorite music Read familiar passages Look at old photos together Enjoy a favorite food Massage hands with lotion Brush hair Smell beautiful flowers Caregiver Total Dependence

9. When you Interact It is okay if you make mistakes. Alzheimer’s Disease is very forgiving! Your caring presence will make a difference!

10. THANK YOU! Joy Bodnar j.bodnar@crosskeysvillage.org