Feeling connected has a significant impact on our health and well-being, but a surprising number of people don’t feel connected.1 We can all feel emotionally disconnected at times. Are you looking for a way to build better relationships—with friends,...
The Java Webinar Series are a partnership between Ontario Centres for Learning Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care hosted at the Bruyère Research Institute, Carleton University and Java Group Programs with funding provided by the Centre for Aging + Brain...
There are many distractions and challenges that can come up when facilitating a group. Sometimes these distractions are created – intentionally or unintentionally – by group members who may not feel emotionally safe. Sometimes it is because there are...
There are many ways to engage those living with cognitive impairment. Here are a few tried and true approaches to consider: Say hello and use the person’s name. When visiting those living with dementia, avoid “How are you?”. Try...
He who has a ‘why’ for which to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’. (Friedrich Nietzsche) We are all searching for meaning. Promoting purpose in life and meaningful relationships is key to well-being (1). A new study reveals...
Are you looking for a new way to put together a social calendar? Imagine this. Every day residents get up in the morning, have their breakfast and then look to see what’s happening that day on their social calendars....
Research has found that people living with dementia tend to reflect the emotions of those around them. This transfer of emotion is called ‘emotional contagion’. As their thinking abilities decline, they develop an increased sensitivity to other emotional processes....
Although many kinds of interventions are used for those living with dementia, a lack of evidence often undermines their effectiveness. In a systematic review of 363 qualitative studies, the authors of a 2015 research article identified 5 processes, or...
All behaviors have meaning and ‘aggressive’ behaviors have been called responsive behaviors because they are not unpredictable or meaningless, but rather a response to an unmet need.1 Even though it may not be apparent to us, those in distress...
Dr. David Sheard presented recently at the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors Conference in Toronto. He has developed a model for dementia care called ‘Feelings Matter Most’, that focuses on nurturing emotions. Mattering means to...