The Best Friends™ Approach is a recognized approach to relationships with adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It is exactly like it sounds: the caregiver or companion becomes a best friend to the senior by getting to know their preferences, their family, what upsets them, what makes them happy.
Think about how much you know about your best friend. How they like their coffee, what traditions are important to them, who matters most in their life. Of course, we can’t force friendship, but using the information we were given by the family and the experiences we shared with our client builds trust, empathy, memories, and a deep connection.
Ohana Care encourages seniors to participate in activities in a day facility and at home; enhancing their joy, sense of belonging and satisfaction; and promoting their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Our recreation specialist MP Fortin is an Associate Trainer, a certification obtained through the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, and she trains the Ohana team periodically to ensure everyone is confident in their skills.
Repeating stories or activities, and refusing to do anything other than watching TV.
No longer able to play their favourite games independently, and forget to initiate new activities.
Excessive napping could be a sign of boredom.
This can include pacing, lack of patience, fidgeting, looking for a way out of a room/place, and humming.
Refuses to sit with visitors, refuses to leave the house/unit, only leaves home for appointments.
Leaves the house alone, not dressed appropriately for the weather, or without the ability to find their way back.
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The Best Friends™ Approach redefines how we can enhance the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Alzheimer Calgary works to ensure that people impacted by dementia have access to high quality education, care and support throughout their journey of impact.
For formal assessments of cognitive abilities and daily adjustments you can make to help slow the process, contact a Cognitive & Behavioral Therapeutics Interventionist.
