Hmmmm now I've read your piece, I'm not sure I will read it. I think you sum it up well and having cared for someone with Dementia, I think (for us) it was yes, a lot of listening, and also the opportunity to give memories back. Right now, we have Yann's mother in a lovely care home and it's really good to see her being cared for by people who understand Dementia. x
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alice. I like your point about giving memories back.
There are seeds of how to build an engaging, bespoke language, leveraging the memories that are most prevalent/remain strong...but something just didn't feel right to me.
I remember you saying that Yann's mother is in a good Dementia care home. I'm so glad for her and your family.
As I'm sure you know, there aren't enough care homes in the UK, and social care support is limited. So, several carers I know on forums are beyond burnout. That's probably why I wrote this article after hours of trying to frame it up. Vulnerable people lacking support could get further subsumed by this approach.
To your point, perhaps, 'gifting memories back' has been undervalued.
I read over the information about the SPECAL program and my anxiety grew the more I read. I found the opposite “value” they espoused in their description of their goals. As I think further about it, I saw no to little involvement with the patients. In fact it felt like there was no involvement at all. it seemed like a power move - I’m not sure what I mean about that but that’s what stands out to me. It also felt conservative and constrictive. Reminded me of the Stepford Wives. That’s all a bit harsh but that’s my experience of that program.
Thank you for taking the time to rewrite your comment, Judi!
Exactly!! There's something 'boxing' or diminishing about the SPECAL method. I prefer the ideas shared by Pat Snyder using the Dementia Action Alliance's Manual, which tries to engage with the person and elevate their day-to-day living despite the Dementia
Hmmmm now I've read your piece, I'm not sure I will read it. I think you sum it up well and having cared for someone with Dementia, I think (for us) it was yes, a lot of listening, and also the opportunity to give memories back. Right now, we have Yann's mother in a lovely care home and it's really good to see her being cared for by people who understand Dementia. x
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alice. I like your point about giving memories back.
There are seeds of how to build an engaging, bespoke language, leveraging the memories that are most prevalent/remain strong...but something just didn't feel right to me.
I remember you saying that Yann's mother is in a good Dementia care home. I'm so glad for her and your family.
As I'm sure you know, there aren't enough care homes in the UK, and social care support is limited. So, several carers I know on forums are beyond burnout. That's probably why I wrote this article after hours of trying to frame it up. Vulnerable people lacking support could get further subsumed by this approach.
To your point, perhaps, 'gifting memories back' has been undervalued.
Thanks, Alice. xo
Thank you—the lack of care home and tender care for our elders and our vulnerable in so many places is both saddening and frightening. And wrong.
Absolutely, Alice, more and more carers and their loved ones are struggling as a consequence.
I just wrote you a comment and it disappeared. I hope you get it somewhere.
I read over the information about the SPECAL program and my anxiety grew the more I read. I found the opposite “value” they espoused in their description of their goals. As I think further about it, I saw no to little involvement with the patients. In fact it felt like there was no involvement at all. it seemed like a power move - I’m not sure what I mean about that but that’s what stands out to me. It also felt conservative and constrictive. Reminded me of the Stepford Wives. That’s all a bit harsh but that’s my experience of that program.
Thank you for taking the time to rewrite your comment, Judi!
Exactly!! There's something 'boxing' or diminishing about the SPECAL method. I prefer the ideas shared by Pat Snyder using the Dementia Action Alliance's Manual, which tries to engage with the person and elevate their day-to-day living despite the Dementia
I appreciate you sharing your opinion, Judi!
Hi Judi, Thanks for reading the article. I don't see the comment. If you've time and energy to retype it here, that would be great, but no worries!