This week's blog takes a look at an article from The Alzheimer's Reading Room, entitled 'Communicating with the Deeply Forgetful'.
The article seeks to explain and break down how people living with later stages of Alzheimer's view the world around them, and in particular, how their reality is much different from the reality that we are used to.
In order to foster a means of helpful communication, the focus of the caregiver should shift to the new reality of a deeply forgetful person—that is—what they think and believe to be true. This is sometimes difficult, as it often involves "playing" pretend" or placating them in ways that you are not used to, especially when the person you are caring for is someone you hold to a high degree of respect.
"I feel confident when I say this—you won't be able to convince a person who is deeply forgetful that they are wrong, and you won't be able to convince them that your reality is the true reality." (source)
The goal then, is to discover ways to communicate that benefit both the caregiver and a loved one with Alzheimer's.
Memorable Pets invokes the philosophy of traditional pet therapy; that animals can have a calming and positive effect on people with Alzheimer's, particularly when it comes to helping them become more social and more involved with other people.
These stuffed animals, which are especially crafted to be realistic and cuddly alternatives to real dogs and cats, can provide a very special link of communication between a person with Alzheimer's and their caregiver and/or family. They are capable of not only soothing agitation and other kinds of stress, but also of stirring and rekindling old memories by way of a beloved family pet and companion.
Read more: Communicating with the Deeply Forgetful
At Memorable Pets, we are highly dedicated to raising funds for Alzheimer's awareness and research, which is why a portion of the proceeds from each Memorable Pet goes toward Alzheimer's care. You can learn more about our selection of pets and how you can help at our website: memorablepets.com