Dementia Friendly CommunityEmployee Education

Dementia Friendly Communities

A community that shows a high level

of public awareness and

understanding of dementia

In which it is possible for the

greatest number of people with

dementia to live a good life

Where persons with dementia are enabled to live as independently as possible and to continue to be

part of their community

Where they are met with

understanding and given support

where necessary

A dementia friendly community enables those with dementia to

Find their way around and be safe

Access the local facilities that they are

used to and where they are known (such as banks, shops, cafes, cinemas, and post

offices)

Maintain their social networks so they feel

they continue to belong

GoalGoal =To make quality of life measurably better in the

Jefferson County Community by easing the fear and isolation

associated with dementia, and by increasing access to the

resources people need to live well with dementia.

Living with dementia Dementia is caused by changes in the brain These changes interrupt the way information

is processed and the way emotions are regulated (memory, thinking, and behavior)

Dementia comes on slowly and progresses over time, eventually effects daily tasks

The way dementia affects each person is unique in each person who has it

From the viewpoint of the person with dementia

Even if our perception of time and space has changed, we live in a world where relationships, objects, and situations

matter We may not be able to speak about the

meaning environments have, but a sense of meaning and importance remains in our

lives

Dementia impairs our memories We can forget where we put things We can forget what we have been doing

recently We can forget people’s names, even people

close to us (*so please don’t take it personally) We can forget we have done something and so

repeat doing or saying things Our strongest memories may be for events

from the past (*a key to conversation)

Dementia impairs our reasoning We can find abstract notions like money,

rules, and values confusing We can find the results of actions hard

to predict We can misunderstand the pattern on

the floor

Dementia impairs our ability to learn We can find new places disorienting We can have difficulty getting used to

unfamiliar objects or routines We forget where basic things like the

restrooms are

Dementia raises our levels of stress We can find large groups difficult We can become anxious in situations we

coped well in before Too much noise makes us confused We are very sensitive to things like

alarms

Dementia can make us very sensitive to the emotional atmosphere

We benefit from calmness

Dementia causes changes in our sensory-motor function We may not be able to smell, feel, and see

things (especially bland colors that blend) We may get agitated if we get too hot We need good lighting to give us as much

information as possible about our surroundings and can become confused if there is not enough

We may have difficulty navigating changes of level on the floor

Our core needsTo be useful

To have our self-esteem

boosted

To give and receive love

To still be able to care for ourselves

and others

How do I physically approach someone who has dementia?

Approach from the front within the line of vision

Calm, positive, friendly, smile Good eye contact

How do I interact successfully with someone who has dementia? Never argue The person with dementia is

always right Is there a need? Ask a simple question, keep it

short and speak slowly, repeat and allow time for a response

Help the person to feel in control

Show you care Don’t take things personally Acknowledge feelings Put yourself in their position

Watch your mood and body language (persons with dementia tend to mirror the emotions of those around them) Calm begets calm. Try to remain happy and positive.

Logic and reason do not apply Pay attention to body

language and non-verbal messages

Listen to verbal messages, can you build on them?

Accept people where they are

Responses that might be helpful

I will be here if you need anything

Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.

Your are pretty important around here.

If you need anything, just let me know.

That’s a good idea. I’ll have to try that!

I do silly things like that, too.

Between the two of us, we will be OK.

Your are a pretty special person.

Wow, you are so smart! Thank you, I couldn’t

have done it without you.

You always look out for me.

*What do you know about their Life Story?

Who are they?

What do you know about

them?

What did they used to do? What did

they enjoy? What’s important to them?

Build on the comments they make (if something works, remember it- a

favorite story they keep repeating)

Learn by listening and observing, talk with the caregiver

All behavior is communication An unmet need? Bathroom, hungry,

uncomfortable, too hot/cold, illness, restless/bored?

Pacing of Activities/flow of the day Personal routine preference

If all behavior is meaningful, what is this person trying to communicate? Try to stop thinking, “She’s confused, she

has dementia. Starting thinking, “I am confused, I don’t

know what she’s trying to tell me” Instead of, “how can I control this

person?” Think, “How can I accommodate this

person?”

What if this person takes something and tries to leave with it? Have a “replacement” stock and tell the

person gladly, “thank you for finding that, I have been looking all over for that! (self-esteem, usefulness need). Could you take this (replacement product) and watch it for me? Or, I think this belongs to you.

If this doesn’t work, can you work out something with the caregiver for later return or payment?

What is a Dementia Friendly environment? Accessible environments that enable

people to reach, enter, use and move around the places and spaces they need or wish to visit, regardless of any physical, sensory, or cognitive impairment.

Safe environments so people can independently use, enjoy, and move around places and spaces freely without fear of harm

Designing Dementia Friendly Environments Purposeful destinations: bright colors,

opportunities to use their remaining abilities, favorite things*, these spaces allow them to engage in interests spontaneously; to move around this space with a sense of meaning and importance allowing for engagement

Welcoming atmosphere: quiet, calm, relaxing, positive, friendly

Wayfinding cues to help them understand where they are, what is expected of them in this space, and which way they need to go

Dementia Friendly Environment

Make up for reduced sensory, cognitive, and motor ability to support independence

Lighting should be 3-5 times brighter Flooring, pathways should be clear,

clutter free, color contrasts should mark changes in floor level and level changes clearly marked, hand-rails contrast with wall colors, non-glare surfaces

ResourcesSue Konkel Dementia Care Specialist, ADRC

920-675-4035

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline800-272-3900

ADRCM-F 8-4:30

920-674-8734

See brochure and handlouts

Questions/Situations? Thank you for being here today Thank you for all you do Thank you for caring Certificate