Person Centred Dementia Care Plan - Track 3

This track focusses on - Person Centred Dementia Care.
It is to assist those people caring for a loved one or friend who is living with Dementia.
My hope is that as you progress through the track, the strategies provided will help you create more moments of joy for the person in your care.
This track includes a short mindfulness meditation practise and 'partners in care' helpful hints.

Transcript

Session 3,

Person-Centred Dementia Care Plan,

Day-to-Day Tasks.

Hi,

Thanks so much for joining me.

Person-Centred care means respecting the dignity,

Preferences and abilities of the person living with dementia.

In this session,

We'll explore examples of everyday tasks like showering,

Getting dressed,

Using the bathroom,

Brushing teeth and personal hygiene,

With suggestions of what you might say to gently guide someone through them.

So,

Before we begin,

Let's pause and centre ourselves.

As you breathe in,

Tell yourself to relax.

Take your time to return to the present moment.

Remind yourself of your intention to create moments of calm and joy for the person in your care.

For this meditation,

If it feels comfortable,

Try the five-finger exercise.

Hold your right hand out.

Use your left pointer finger to trace each finger on the right hand,

Breathing in as you trace up and out as you trace down.

Focus on your breath and the calming effect of gentle touch.

When you're done,

Let your hands rest.

Choose a word that reflects your care intention today.

It might be something like kind,

Calm,

Gentle,

Trustworthy,

Whatever word resonates with you.

Well done.

Let's begin.

Showering or bathing.

What to say?

Would you like a shower today?

I can help if you'd like.

We'll use soft towels and warm water.

It always feels good to be clean.

Or something like,

I've got your favourite soap and shampoo.

Want to feel the water with me?

Is it warm enough?

Is that just right?

Lovely.

Let's have a shower,

Shall we?

We can go nice and slow.

Or something like,

Thank you for letting me help.

Once we're done,

We'll get you into warm,

Fresh clothes so you're nice and cosy.

So they're just some suggestions.

Getting dressed.

Having clothes ready beforehand,

Underwear,

Socks,

Shoes,

Helps avoid distress and keeps things moving gently.

A warm towel also helps maintain dignity and warmth.

What to say?

Would you like help getting dressed today or would you prefer to try on your own?

I'm here if you need me.

Would you prefer something warm or something light if it's a sunny day?

I've washed your favourite,

And then just mention the item of clothing.

I've washed your favourite dress.

Thought it might feel nice to wear that.

Want to take a look and decide together?

How about I'll lay out a few options for you and you can relax a bit longer and then choose what feels best today.

Using the toilet or managing incontinence.

Approach gently and always protect privacy.

Offer choices and reassurance.

What to say?

I'm here to help whenever you're ready to use the bathroom.

Would you like to go now or wait a bit longer?

We have clean underwear too so you can feel fresh.

Do you think you might have done a wee after lunch?

Okay,

Thanks for telling me.

I'll help you into some nice,

Clean underpants.

Let's take our time.

If you're not ready yet,

That's okay.

When you are,

I'll be here.

For now,

Could you choose a new pair of pants for me?

Okay,

So there's some suggestions.

Personal hygiene is deeply personal.

And remind yourself how you might feel in their place.

Use calm,

Positive language.

Offer choices without pressure.

The more empowered they feel,

The more dignity and independence they retain.

You're doing your best and so are they.

Thanks again for listening.

I'll see you in the next session.