If you haven' t heard about the " Best Friends" Approach to dementia care, you need to learn the simple philosophy. Virginia Bell and David Troxel, two dementia care professionals, came up with the easy concept a number of years ago and have published books and videos that explain the process.
Here is a summary of the Best Friends Model of Dementia Care:
1. Caregivers need to learn about dementia: the basics of the disease and what to expect
2. Learn what it feels like to have dementia so behaviors can be understood, especially the cause
3. Focus on a "can do" approach: what are the things the person with dementia can still do?
4. Master communication techniques including active listening, simple instructions, boosting self-esteem.
5. Persons with dementia need a "best friend", a person who with be supportive and be with them through the disease process.
The authors also talk about "knack" or "the art of doing difficult things with ease". They give lots of tips and specific activities to support their concepts.
If you haven' t heard about the " Best Friends" Approach to dementia care, you need to learn the simple philosophy. Virginia Bell and David Troxel, two dementia care professionals, came up with the easy concept a number of years ago and have published books and videos that explain the process.
Here is a summary of the Best Friends Model of Dementia Care:
1. Caregivers need to learn about dementia: the basics of the disease and what to expect
2. Learn what it feels like to have dementia so behaviors can be understood, especially the cause
3. Focus on a "can do" approach: what are the things the person with dementia can still do?
4. Master communication techniques including active listening, simple instructions, boosting self-esteem.
5. Persons with dementia need a "best friend", a person who with be supportive and be with them through the disease process.
The authors also talk about "knack" or "the art of doing difficult things with ease". They give lots of tips and specific activities to support their concepts.
To learn more or to order any of the books or tapes, please visit www.bestfriendsapproach.com or www.healthpropress.com.
Has anyone used the best friend techniques and want to share experiences?