During a workshop I recently attended, a caregiver named Josephine shared an interesting story with me about her new client, “Marta.” Marta is an 80-year-old woman from Croatia who is struggling with cognitive challenges.

Marta’s daughter, Ana, was well aware of her mother’s resistance to change and unfamiliar faces. She hates changes in her routines. Ana knew that introducing a new caregiver would be very challenging for her Mom. However, Ana remembered her Mom’s fondness for the Philippines, a place she loved to travel to when she was younger.

Preparing for the Worst

Accustomed to the Filipino caregivers who regularly attended to her, Marta initially greeted Josephine with skepticism, as expected. Josephine clearly saw Marta rolling her eyes in disapproval.

However, Ana had a clever strategy up her sleeve. In anticipation of Marta’s resistance, she prepared a prominent name tag for Josephine featuring the Philippine flag and a clear note: “My name is Josephine. I’m from the Philippines.”

As Josephine put on the name tag, Marta’s demeanor transformed from skepticism to sheer delight. “You’re from the Philippines! I love the Philippines!” she exclaimed.

Ana’s ingenious solution not only calmed Marta but also facilitated a smoother transition for her. 

Practicing What Works

The following day, when Marta’s daytime caregiver arrived, Josephine’s name tag accidentally slipped off. Upon seeing her regular caregiver, Marta was pleased but quickly grew agitated upon failing to recognize Josephine.

“You get out of here!” she demanded.

Staying calm, Josephine quickly retrieved her name tag and put it back in place. Instantly, Marta’s excitement returned. “Oh, you’re from the Philippines! I love the Philippines!” – as if seeing Josephine for the first time. 

Ana’s creative approach not only fostered familiarity between Josephine and Marta but also strengthened their bond. It exemplifies the power of innovative solutions in easing the fears and anxieties of clients.

Trust-building Starts with Making a Connection

In Marta’s story, agitation and possibly even aggressive behaviour were prevented by both Ana’s and Josephine’s proactive attitudes. Instead of a combative relationship, both Marta’s and Josephine’s well-being were preserved as their relationship was built on connection.

Making a genuine connection with clients is an important skill to have as a professional caregiver. Beyond fulfilling basic needs,  connections foster trust, empathy, and understanding. All these are essential for providing effective care. 

Establishing rapport empowers caregivers to tailor support according to individual preferences and requirements, enhancing the overall quality of care – as Ana and Josephine did in supporting Marta. A strong client-caregiver bond can alleviate feelings of isolation or vulnerability often experienced by those in need of care. 

Through compassionate communication and active listening, caregivers not only address physical ailments but also attend to emotional well-being. Ultimately, these connections enrich the caregiving experience, leading to improved client satisfaction, better outcomes, and a deeper sense of fulfillment for caregivers in their noble vocation.

If you have concerns about a loved one or a friend and don’t know what to do, you are not alone. Reach out and ask for help. We can help by brainstorming ideas with you that will best suit your situation. Begin by contacting us through our website www.DementiaSolutions.ca to arrange your free 20-minute consultation with one of our Dementia Care Advisors.

DISCLAIMER:

The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only. They are not intended to replace clinical diagnosis or medical advice from a health professional.