Month: April 2025

How Does Your Approach Feel to Others?

You learned about the Positive Physical Approach in Key #2. To truly understand its impact, try this simple exercise:

1. Sit in a chair and ask a friend or co-worker to approach you quickly.

2. Have them lean over your head and give you a command without greeting you or saying your name first.

3. Pay attention to how this makes you feel—startled, uncomfortable, or even anxious.

Now, repeat the exercise using the Positive Physical Approach:

1. Have the person approach you calmly from the front, at eye level.

2. They should greet you by name or offer a friendly gesture before making a request.

3. Notice the difference—how much more comfortable and respected you feel.

This simple adjustment in approach can significantly improve communication with people, especially those living with dementia.

CARES Tips!

Focus on What People Can Do

Care interactions should not always be led by the caregiver. Instead, focus on the abilities that people still have and encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy. By asking them to show you how to do something they love, you empower them, boost their self-esteem, and create meaningful engagement.

For example, if a person enjoys folding clothes, let them help with laundry. If they like gardening, invite them to water plants. Small moments like these bring joy and a sense of purpose to their day—and yours.

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As you apply the CARES® Approach, you’ll discover that some strategies work better than others. Here are 10 essential keys to success when caring for people with dementia.

Key#1: Be Patient, Slow, and Calm

Patience is crucial in dementia care. Accept that things won’t always go as planned and maintain a calm environment. Slowing down can prevent frustration for both you and the person you’re caring for.

Key#2: Approach in a Nonthreatening Manner

First impressions matter. A gentle approach, like the Positive Physical Approach by Teepa Snow, helps build trust and connection.

Key#3: Be Mindful of Nonverbal Communication

People with dementia rely on tone, facial expressions, and body language. A warm smile or calm voice speaks louder than words, conveying comfort and reassurance.

Key#4: Use Positive Language

Avoid saying “No” or “Don’t.” Instead, rephrase instructions in a supportive way to encourage cooperation without causing distress.

Key#5: Never Argue

Trying to reason with someone with dementia often leads to frustration. Their reality is as real to them as yours is to you—meet them where they are.

Key#6: Show Respect and Dignity

People with dementia deserve to be treated as adults. Include them in conversations, ask permission before assisting, and never talk about them as if they aren’t present.

Key#7: Focus on Strengths

Even as abilities decline, people retain strengths. Encouraging independence in small ways boosts self-esteem and enhances quality of life.

Key#8: Offer Simple Choices

Giving limited options—like choosing between two outfits or meals—helps maintain a sense of control without overwhelming them.

Key#9: Avoid Quizzing or Testing

Instead of asking, “Do you remember me?” introduce yourself every time. Set them up for success, not embarrassment.

Key#10: Balance Structure with Flexibility

Routine provides stability, but flexibility is key. If a person resists an activity like bathing, try again later instead of forcing it.

By embracing these keys to success, caregivers can create a supportive, respectful, and comforting environment for people living with dementia.

The CARES® approach is the foundation of HCI’s training programs, empowering caregivers to provide compassionate, person-centered dementia care. For more resources, visit HCI’s website.

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For people with dementia, everyday tasks can become challenging. Familiar items like a toothbrush or comb can cause confusion, and performing routine activities may feel overwhelming. As a caregiver, you have the opportunity to make a significant difference by using the CARES® Approach. This approach helps guide you in providing the right support, making dementia activities of daily living easier and more manageable, while also preserving the person’s dignity and sense of independence.

Eating

Maintaining good nutrition is key to health, but dementia can make eating feel unfamiliar. With the CARES® Approach, you can help the person continue enjoying their meals, ensuring they get the nutrition they need, even in later stages of Alzheimer’s. This is an important aspect of dementia activities of daily living.

Dressing

As dementia progresses, knowing how much help to provide can be tricky. By understanding the person’s abilities at each stage, you can support them in dressing by turning it into a meaningful, guided activity. Familiarity and comfort can make all the difference.

Grooming

Grooming routines like brushing hair or shaving may seem simple, but they can be important for maintaining dignity. With dementia, the person may need more assistance, but you can help them retain a sense of normalcy by allowing them to do as much as possible.

Bathing

Bathing can be both relaxing and overwhelming. To ease any discomfort, make sure the environment feels calm and familiar. If the person resists, consider alternatives like sponge baths, keeping them clean and comfortable without added stress.

Mouth Care

Proper oral hygiene helps prevent infections, but dementia can make mouth care feel uncomfortable or confusing. Use the CARES® Approach to provide gentle, familiar support, ensuring the person’s comfort and oral health.

Using the Bathroom

As dementia progresses, using the bathroom independently may no longer be possible. A respectful, patient approach helps maintain dignity and comfort while preventing infections and other health issues. The CARES® Approach ensures you provide the right support at every stage.

Person-Centered Personal Care

Person-centered care for dementia is all about knowing someone’s preferences and using them to make their daily routine smoother. Here’s an example—there’s a person who showers in the morning, never at night. He starts his day with coffee and loves feeding the birds outside. If you’re his caregiver and you know this, you can use it to your advantage.

Many caregivers struggle with people refusing to bathe. But the first question should be: When do they usually shower? If someone tried to bathe him at night, he would resist—because he already showered in the morning. But if you scheduled it for his preferred time, there’d be no issue. And if you made him coffee first? Even better.

This approach applies to every aspect of personal care. Some people love showers, while others feel cleaner after a bath. For someone with dementia, forcing them into a shower when they’re used to baths can cause distress. It’s not just about keeping them clean—it’s about providing a routine that feels comfortable and familiar. By using dementia personal care strategies, caregivers can tailor each task to fit the person’s unique needs and preferences.