b'DEMENTIA CAREFrom surviving to thrivingCare strategies that work and improve resident outcomesBy Jessica Pelkey & Deb ThomasW hat if the challengingand integrate our own self-careComprehension of verbal directions behaviours and resistancebenefits those we serve.is often impaired; communication is we encounter in ourenhanced through use of visual cues residents are indeed the sameDeep breathing, mindfulness, and(gestures, facial expression, props) reactions we would have under meditation are among practicesand fewer words. Allow time, let their those conditions?proven to reduce amygdala activitypace be your pace. By observing the and restore emotional and executiveperson discerningly and adapting Human beings experience similarcontrol functions. In other words,accordingly, we use our interaction as changes to their abilities in mildthey reduce our reactivity and stress,an assessment to respond to people cognitive impairment, early dementia,while restoring well-being. Whicheverwhere they are, even duringand in stress. In each of these, thepractices we choose, taking care ofescalated situations. primitive part of the brain called theourselves allows us to take better care amygdala is highly active. Best knownof others. Think about when you are really for its fright, flight, fight function, theupset. Are you looking for someone amygdala also drives our pleasureHow we approach a person can eitherto fix things or for someone to vent seeking and ensures that our needstrigger an undesirable reaction or beto? Care partners tend to want to are met.supportive. Using a Positive Physicaljump to fixing, yet being heard is often Approach decreases the likelihoodthe need. In an emotionally charged Whether its stress or dementia, highof negative reactions. Lets make itsituation, by being willing to match amygdala activity means that unmetour habit to use strategies that elicitthe persons tone, intensity, words and needs or surprises can easily sendpermission from the person, buildactions you validate their experience people into survival mode or reactivity.and emotion, reducing their need Threat or pleasure will drive behaviourconnection, and ensure partnering to stay distressed. A sunny or calm without the benefit of impulse control,in care.disposition can aggravate someone self-awareness, reasoning or skill.who is upset. Asking the person to Under threat, care providers and careTry theSNOWApproach: calm down or relax often has the receivers alike are reactive and lessopposite effect. able to process data. If both partiesStop:Assess your own state, breathe, are in survival mode, then we areand reset. Instead, acknowledge the person both acting from instinct and self- where they are. Be on their protection, triggering each other.Notice:Observe the person and seeside. Validate their distress by the situation from their point of view. demonstrating that you hear and We, as care providers, can developunderstand. Mirror facial expression, practices to help us move out ofOffer:Offer your hand, gettone and gestures to communicate reactivity. Having our own needs metconnected, and be on their side. that youve heard the seriousness and is critical. Nutrition, rest, hobbies andimmediacy of their plight. Come in breaks are among things that careWait:Give the person thejust underneath their intensity, then partners often sacrifice to meet theopportunity to process and acceptdecrease the intensity as they respond needs of others. Learning to fosteryour support. to your support.42 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2022'