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The Dementia Roundtable

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Testimonials

Aging more Palatable

Sira, the contractor finished the “functional” phase of the renovation of Mom’s bathroom. Your ideas were all implemented and Mom is really pleased with how much easier it is for her to use it. You are a true caregiving genius with a perspective that helps make the process of aging more palatable for those in the last phases of life. We cannot adequately express how much we appreciate your helping us make Mom’s life better. Thank you, Steve

Bathing can be successful

One 150 bed assisted living facility used the “Bouquet Method” to provide the appropriate cognitive approach to each resident in order to facilitate bathing. “Daisy’s” were able to choose when they want to bathe on a calendar and received reminders while “Violets” and “Roses” are bathed daily at the same time using the same approach appropriate for their level. The ALF was able to report 0 refusals to bathe in the first month!

Decreasing meal time stress

The director of nursing at a 75 bed memory care unit reports that the dining supervisor and staff have elevated the dining experience while serving the needs of all residents at their cognitive level following Botes Memory Method” training. They began providing options using a food cart display giving opportunity for choices to residents who would otherwise be unable to use a written menu; relieving resident frustration and in fact, eliminating behavioral outbursts in the dining room.

Elevating Dementia IQ

An Executive Director of an ALF was able to successfully connect with a gentleman on a “Rose” level. As he initially appeared to be disinterested and refusing a popsicle when offered, when she used the correct technique and approach, he was able to receive, eat and enjoy it.

Improved communication with loved ones

Home health caregiver reported successful connection in supporting a person on a “Violet” level with hydration during an event. As a result of Botes training, she knew how to navigate this lady’s refusal to drink in order to successfully elicit her drinking a full cup of water.

Empowerment of our person

Mr. B was struggling with intermittent bouts of delusions and hallucinations. The family and the patient were provided education through “Botes Memory Method” to implement strategies and sensory diversion to combat and redirect the events. He and his family report experiencing much calmer and more manageable days, as they are now equipped to navigate these otherwise stressful events.

Stimulating the senses

“Botes Memory Method” instruction was provided regarding the power of music in releasing “feel good” hormones and alerting the senses offering a heightened relational opportunity. Following an introduction, this client and his daughter were able to enjoy a memorable time of laughing and dancing together, removing the barrier of dementia for the moment.

Improved connection with caregivers

Ms. F experienced an altered mental status and had declined from needing occasional supervision for specific tasks to needing assistance for all ADLs. After using “Botes Analysis” tool and determining her functional cognition, her OT was able to make some environmental changes and teach staff proper environmental set-up and approach with verbal cues and demonstration at her Bouquet level. Given this proper support, she was able to resume her functional ability and her family was thrilled with the outcome.

Cognitive staging allows proper care planning

Ms. E had lived in her own home but following a recent hospitalization she returned confused, depressed and feeling hopeless. She required 24/7 care from family and private duty caregivers. Through the implementation of “Botes Memory Method”, technological devices were inserted, environmental structure and changes made and Ms. E was taught safe methods of managing her own medications, appointments and other life skills based on her Memory Bouquet level strengths. She and the family gained confidence in her independence and she was ultimately able to return successfully to her own home and living the life she loved.

Cognitive staging allows for appropriate expectations

Two daughters of a man living in memory care at the “Daisy” level expressed gratitude for the education they received regarding their dad. “Now that we better understand more about his Memory Bouquet level and we understand what our expectations should be, we have developed a realistic visiting and telephone call schedule for our family of 5 siblings.” This support resulted in a significant decrease in the gentleman’s level of agitation and the family’s stress level as well.