Question

Case study

Elizabeth is a carer for her close friend George, who has Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Elizabeth and George met through the bowls club 15 years ago and have had an ongoing friendship ever since. George lives just around the corner from Elizabeth so she is able to pop in and do things to help George out. Initially it started out with just a meal here or there, or helping with the banking or a little cleaning, but lately George has needed more and more help to the point where Elizabeth feels like she has no time for anything else. George really wants to stay at home and can be quite abusive towards Elizabeth whenever she tries to talk about his future care needs. Sometimes she can still have a short conversation with him but at other times he doesn’t remember who she is anymore. George has recently started to need more physical help with showering and dressing. Elizabeth is able to discuss the need for increased support with George and he agrees to let her arrange for some help. Now Niles, a support worker, comes and helps George shower three days a week. Niles is also eager to support Elizabeth and helps set up activities to allow George to remain independent and socially engaged.

Question

1. What are some verbal communication strategies that Niles could use to help George reminisce about events from his past?

2. What are some reminiscent activities that Elizabeth and Niles could do to create frequent meaningful connection?

3. What are some ways that George’s dementia may be affecting Elizabeth?

4. What are five ways that Niles can support Elizabeth in her role as a carer?

Answer 1

1. Some non verbal communication strategies that Niles could use to help George reminisce about events from his past are :-

- Be patient and calm.

Keep voice, face, and body relaxed and positive.

Be consistent.

Make eye contact and respect personal space.

Use gentle touch to reassure.

Observe their nonverbal reactions.

2. Some reminiscent activities that Elizabeth and Niles could do to create frequent meaningful connection are :-

- memory box ( photographs , keepsakes )

- social activity

- familiar location

- sensory stimulation

- life scrapbook

3. Some ways that George's dementia is affecting Elizabeth are :-

- she does not have time for her work

- sometimes it is stressful for her as George becomes abusive

- when George doesn't remember who she is anymore

4. Ways that Nile can support Elizabeth in her roles as a carer are :-

- By helping her in taking care of George

- By teaching her the ways of how to take care of dementia patients

- By teaching her how to make George independent enough in his daily activities

- Providing her psychological and emotional support