Enhancing The Emotional Journey of the Dementia-Specific Resident

Journeys, like emotions, always follow a pathway of change and are forever indicating to us our progress, our movement, our performance and awareness. For a person living with dementia, emotions begin to operate exclusively on an intuitive level, where intellect is replaced by impulse; logic is interpreted as non-sensical; and where choices are governed by momentary lapses of clarity.Experiences are shaped by perception; our perception is ruled by the mental conditioning our culture imposes upon us - which in turn, dictates our emotional responses to the feelings we experience. For those living with dementia, societal norms are eroded by the plaques and tangles in the brain. Their thoughts are disconnected by the disconnected synapses in the brain; while logic is disseminiated by frontal lobe damage to the brain. Feelings are the only authentic, trustworthy indicator of our sense of self, which is especially true for our dementia residents living in aged care. Why? Because feelings are totally instinctive and ever-present.

Feelings do not require memory in order to make sense. Our feelings compel us to act, to strive and to make meaningful connections to places, people and events. Feelings do not cause us to forget like dementia does! The emotional journey for the dementia resident can be created and enhanced through 5 definitive steps. The power of the emotional imprint. The pathway of emotional expression. The impact of emotional validation. The enacting of emotional movement. The meaning of emotional resolution.

The Emotional Imprint- Every word we choose to speak, every tone of voice we decide to convey; every non-verbal gesture we project, every glance we give one anotherleaves an impression; an emotional imprint. These 'imprints' are much more meaningful to the person living with dementia, because context is harder to process than instinct. Given this, we ensure that every time we reach out to our residents, we do so being mindful to express ourselves with a calm energy, a positive energy and an understanding spirit.

The Emotional Expression- Expression of self is a priceless virtue, because self-expression gives us a voice. When are voices are heard, we may be listened to, validated and loved. As care-givers, we ought never deny our residents the basic need for their voices to be heard. Often times, just the expressive re-enactment of the social mechanics of a conversation is more meaningful to the dementia resident than the actual reception of information. A courteous handshake, a simple nod of the head; a generous smile; or the singing of a favourite song; will bring about a meaningful expression of understanding, comfort and familiarity.

The Emotional Validation- The art of validation lies with one's ability to acknowledge, support and affirm another's views, actions or situation. The dementia resident is in a state of grief, of loss and confusion. Grief at coping in the face of an erasure of memory, the loss of being able to relate to loved ones; and losing the ability to hold a meaningful conversation.

The Emotional Movement - Movement is the embodiment of energy, so we ought to recognize our residents' need to exert, express and celebrate their energy on an emotional level. Dementia residents need to be supported to demonstrate their thoughts, feelings and emotional rythm in a safe, creative and nurturing way. This objective is achieved through music therapy sessions, movement to music times and art classes.

The Emotional Resolution- Resolution fosters security. Resolution represents emotional freedom. From emotional resolution emerges confidence. We all seek resolution in life; and this need is no different for people living with dementia. Why is this? Because dementia is a progressive disease. It forces one to constantly re-frame their perception in the face of their lessening powers of cognition. We ought to help our residents living with dementia a series of choices in their daily lives in the absence of judgement; that do not require of them answers that are either right or wrong.