Making the Most of Being Together

Chapter 3: Making The Most Of Being Together 

Overview:

• Describes how to approach someone with Alzheimer’s and how to cope with their differing reactions
• Provides guidelines about what type of setting to choose when interacting with someone with advanced Alzheimer’s
• Identifies and explains the nonverbal signs one should be aware of when interacting with someone with Alzheimer’s
• Explains the importance and necessity of ‘touch’
• Pets and toys are listed and identified as a possible focus for interaction
• Advises to check on the list of factors unrelated to dementia which may be causing problems

Description:

This chapter covers a range of strategies for ensuring that interactions with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease go as well as possible. It details explanations of how to approach the other person, what sort of setting is most appropriate, the role of nonverbal signals, touch and how pets and soft toys may provide a useful stimulus for some people.

Topics:

• Getting off to a good start
  • First impressions count
  • Dealing with a hostile reception
• Choosing an appropriate setting
• Being aware of nonverbal signals
  • Noticing a range of nonverbal signals
  • Be aware of the signals we send too
• Touch - a special means of communication
• Pets and toys as a possible focus for interaction
  • Their advantages
  • Avoiding treating the person like a child
  • Making a suitable choice
• Checking against unnecessary problems
• Focus on the essentials of keeping in touch

Jane Crisp

Dr Jane Crisp has retired recently as a lecturer in communication, media studies and women’s studies at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. She now holds an honorary position there as Adjunct Senior Lecturer. When Jane’s mother, who lived in New Zealand, was diagnosed with dementia Jane found her professional studies of great help in her efforts to keep in touch. Since 1990 Jane has been studying the language of people who are dementing and working out strategies for making sense of the way they speak. She has given talks on this work, and had articles published, both in Australia and overseas. 

Jane has spent much time in France, meeting and exchanging ideas with researchers and carers involved with people who are dementing, and visiting specialised care units. She is married, with a son and a brand new granddaughter.

Professional Reviews: