Why is improvisation important

For both the individual living with dementia and the carer of the individual, the experience of living through this terrible disease can be frustrating, nerve racking and extremely upsetting.

 

When the disease reaches the point that the individual begins to struggle with their cognitive abilities and the carer starts to struggle with how to communicate with their friend or loved one, the principles and techniques of improvisation can provide a powerful tool in which to guide the carer through the most difficult of situations.

 

It wasn't until recently that it had become general knowledge that the guidelines for improvisation and those for being with an individual living with dementia are identical.

​

Although improvisation training is being offered within health care sectors such as GP training, it is still not being offered to those working within care homes across the UK and those who are looking after friends or relatives that are living with dementia and cognitive impairment.

 

Not only are those working within care homes not being given the chance to explore and learn this powerful tool but also the relatives and friends who would benefit greatly in how to communicate with their loved one in a more person-centred and engaging way.

​​

Although there are no set In stone rules for communicating with an individual who lives with dementia and cognitive impairment, there are however guidelines that we can follow that not only ensure the individual lives well with dementia and experiences a more engaging experience but also ensures that the carer of the individual offers a more person-centred approach and becomes a more empathetic carer.

 

The guidelines you will look at during this workshop are:

 

• Don’t argue with the individual.

• Accept the reality given to you by the individual.

• Silence can be powerful.

• Say “Yes and...”

• Listen fully.

• Be clear and specific

• Go with the flow

 

By using these guidelines you can:

 

• Create another avenue for communication for those individuals that struggle with verbal communication.

• Create a more engaging experience for the individual

• Reduce anxiety and agitation for the individual and help them to manage these emotions.

• Improve the mood and general well-being of the individual.

• Ensure the individual stays connected to the world around them and avoids them becoming isolated due to their cognitive and communication impairment.​

​​