NursePartners practices the Positive Physical Approach to CareTM as developed by Teepa Snow and her team. Each client living with dementia is classified by a GEM stone. The characteristics of these GEM stones, along with the client’s personality and unique life experiences, dictate our approach.
All carepartners are trained to connect before providing care. Simply put, we find this the most effective method. Too often, carepartners push forth their agenda without enough emphasis on how it is affecting the client. The mentality is to complete the “to do” list as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, older adults are not always moving at our speed. If they are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the situation becomes even more complicated. The older adult may not realize what we are trying to do, even though these actions are intended to assist them. When we rush to complete tasks, this can lead to unfavorable outcomes. If we provide care before connecting, this can increase anxiety, depression, or lead to aggression.
All carepartners are trained in the Positive Physical Approach to CareTM methodology. During orientation, carepartners work with dementia coaches and practitioners as they role play challenging scenarios. We want carepartners to be prepared for all types of situations.
Carepartners are trained to put their agenda away and go with the flow. They focus on connecting before rushing to provide care. This simple investment of time pays dividends in the long run as a meaningful relationship is developed between the carepartner and the client. The result is that the client becomes more receptive to receiving care.
In this video, Denise encounters a client actor (dementia coach) who is non-verbal and fixated on a task. Instead of demanding that the client focus on her, she engages him in his task first. She continues to have a conversation, even though he does not respond to her.
When it is time to perform the caregiving task, Denise is patient as the client stands up. She respects his independence and does not rush to do everything for him. Denise helps explain how to get up and helps stabilize his gait during the process.
As he stands, she lightens the mood with movement and rhythm. Music and rhythm are deeply engrained in our brains and is one of the best ways to connect with someone living with dementia. Carepartners that employ this preserved skill are more likely to succeed than those who do not.
Would you like to learn more about GEM care services or want to join our team? Call us today at 610-323-9800.
Click to the link to see the full video:
Denise demonstrates the Positive Physical Approach to Care
