We enjoy engaging in art projects with our dear friends with dementia at our Lady-Links visits. We find that topics for conversation are easily inspired by the colors, shapes and design of what we’re creating.
Our seasonal arts and crafts projects are great for starting conversations associated with that time of the year. We call this the “Conversation of Art” as we look for ways to integrate topics into our conversation which relate to our art project.
As we made these fall-themed crafts, conversation naturally included memories centered around pumpkin decorating, playing in piles of leaves, collecting acorns, seeing scarecrows in garden areas, and enjoying fall festivals. There are plenty of ideas for stimulating memories just from what the art project represents. The Conversation of Art is simply relating your topic of conversation to what the art suggests.
We suggest four topics for the Conversation of Art:
1. Talk about activities associated with the theme.
2. Talk about weather associated with the theme.
3. Talk about food associated with the theme.
4. Talk about clothing associated with the theme.
In our experience of making over 500 visits to ladies with dementia, we find that there is an art to creating conversation that helps engage our dear friends in the best way possible. Just knowing what topics (activities, weather, food and clothing) to relate to the theme is only part of the equation. Here are four tips for the Art of Conversation, which is how to best communicate with your friend or loved one with any type of cognitive decline.
1. Focus on childhood memories. Remember that the concept, “first in, last out” refers to the memories stored in the brain of a person with dementia. Their earliest memories will probably be the last to go. This means that you should talk about your childhood experiences. That will stimulate similar memories in your dear friend and hopefully he or she will share something they remember because they have been prompted by what you said.
2. Focus on positive things. Share a special memory which encouraged or delighted you at the time. Your friend or loved one doesn’t have the filters that you do, so don’t bring up any negative aspects that sometimes accompany specific seasons or holidays.
3. Focus on simplicity. Share one short memory with the purpose of finding something with which they will connect. Multiple memories with lots of details will only confuse or overwhelm a person with dementia.
4. Focus on engaging the other person. That is the purpose of the conversation. It’s not really about us. It is about helping them make connections and relate to what we are saying. Use open-ended questions when appropriate, giving time for them to process the information and respond. Add plenty of smiles too!
The “Conversation of Art” when combined with the “Art of Conversation” will provide meaningful communication for you and your friend or loved one with dementia during any season of the year!
Seasons change but friendships stay,
enriching each and every day.
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