Seven Tips for Supporting Your Loved One
Care partners are incredibly important for helping people with cognitive impairment. They provide essential physical and emotional support to those who need it, allowing them to live more independent lives. We welcome the participation of care partners in the Moneta™ program! To ensure both clients and care partners get the most out of therapy, we have gathered some helpful tips to use throughout the experience.
“Regular cognitive stimulation is a critical part of overall brain health,” notes Susan Kane, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Moneta™ Therapist. “Care partners can play a major role in supporting their loved one’s cognitive function through various social activities.”
Tip 1: Foster Independence
It's natural to want to assist your loved one throughout the program, but remember to encourage them to do as much as they can on their own. By allowing them to take charge, you prevent a phenomenon known as "excess disability." Excess disability occurs when you complete tasks for your loved one instead of enabling them to perform the tasks they can complete themselves. In turn, the person becomes less willing and able to complete tasks independently and now depends on you for more assistance. Fostering and preserving independence is vital to ensure your loved one’s dignity and feelings of self-worth. So, embrace their capabilities and empower them to achieve their full potential.
Tip 2: Create a Distraction-Free Environment
When your loved one engages in program activities, ensure they are in a quiet and peaceful space. Background noise from the TV or other household sounds can be distracting, making it harder for them to concentrate and hear the information clearly.
By eliminating distractions, you create an optimal environment for their cognitive engagement.
Tip 3: Offer Support When Needed
In moments of frustration, provide comfort by encouraging deep breaths and using relaxation techniques.
Remind your loved one that practice makes perfect, and they will have more opportunities to improve. Reassure them that the information will become easier to comprehend with time. Your calm presence and encouragement will help them overcome challenges.
Tip 4: Simplify Instructions
If your loved one struggles to understand the instructions for an activity, feel free to rephrase them in a way that you think they will comprehend better. You can also demonstrate one of the items to provide a visual example. Tailoring the instructions to their understanding ensures they can actively participate and enjoy the program.
Tip 5: Let Mistakes Go
If your loved one makes a mistake or cannot come up with an answer, it's important to let it go. Bringing attention to errors or omissions can create unnecessary frustration and stress. Instead, encourage them to move on to the next item without worrying. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, you create a supportive and positive environment.
Tip 6: Encourage and Praise Efforts
Your loved one's participation in the program deserves recognition and praise. Completing some of the activity items might be challenging for them, so offering words of encouragement and positive reinforcement is essential. Your support and acknowledgment motivate them to persevere and continue their cognitive stimulation journey.
Tip 7: Embrace the Fun
Remember to have fun! Engaging in this program alongside your loved one promotes teamwork and provides a wonderful opportunity for structured cognitive stimulation. It allows you to actively contribute to their brain health journey while creating meaningful connections. Enjoy the activities together and cherish the moments of growth and learning.
Keep up the great work, and remember that you are making a positive impact on your loved one's cognitive well-being!