E – Evaluate What Works
The fourth step in the CARES® Approach encourages us to gently reflect on what truly helps in a caregiving moment. It’s about noticing the small actions that bring calm, comfort, or clarity to someone living with dementia. This step is all about evaluating what works in dementia care—not through checklists or judgment, but through presence and understanding.
Here are some key insights from this step:
• Connection is at the heart of care. How we speak, listen, and respond shapes how supported the person feels.
• Tone, timing, and body language make a difference. A warm voice, a patient pause, or a kind smile can help someone feel safe.
• Being flexible is important. What helps in one moment might not work in the next, and that’s okay. Adapting with care is part of the process.
• Patience goes a long way. Giving someone the space and time they need can reduce anxiety and build trust.
• Even small actions have meaning. Gentle redirection, validating feelings, or simply being quietly present can have a big impact.
Whether you’re a professional or a family member, evaluating what works in dementia care helps you grow in confidence. You begin to understand what soothes, what connects, and what empowers. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present.
Example: Jeanne and Ann
In a meaningful interaction, Jeanne, a manager, spends time with Ann, who is living with dementia. Their moment together shows the heart of evaluating what works in dementia care.
• Jeanne approaches Ann with calm and kindness, giving her time to respond without pressure.
• She listens with care and adjusts her tone to match Ann’s pace and comfort level.
• When Ann becomes a little unsure, Jeanne gently guides the conversation instead of correcting her.
• Her body language is open and reassuring, letting Ann know she’s truly being heard.
This is a beautiful example of supporting someone with dementia through patience, warmth, and adaptability. It also highlights how caregivers can learn by simply observing and reflecting on their interactions—core parts of evaluating dementia care.
In the end, evaluating what works in dementia care isn’t a task—it’s a mindset. It means staying open, curious, and always willing to grow with the person you’re caring for.
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