21 Jun Contented Dementia and Door Dash
At Dementia Together, we have investigated many approaches to dementia care however, Door Dash is a new one for us. We continue to primarily share the simple method called SPECAL® (pronounced “speckle,” developed by the Contented Dementia Trust in the UK). Our classes, workshops, and support groups are all informed by the SPECAL® Method for creating lifelong well-being, otherwise known as Contented Dementia. SPECAL is a highly practical model that helps care partners learn the “why, what, and how” of working positively with dementia. The approach is counter-intuitive. It does not require any medical knowledge of dementia because it is based on an unapologetically simple explanation of the SPECAL Photograph Album to explain how our memory systems work normally, with aging, and with dementia. This framework allows anyone in any situation to successfully promote contentment and well-being for someone experiencing dementia.
After diagnosis, for the purposes of managing the condition, dementia is best understood as the random, intermittent, and increasing inability to store the facts of what has just occurred while still storing feelings in the same way as usual. This simple understanding, using the SPECAL Photograph Album analogy, and the SPECAL rules, tools, and mantras, improves well-being for care partners and people living with dementia even when other dementia-related symptoms, not traditionally attributed to “memory” are apparent. The SPECAL approach to creating and sustaining contented dementia is evidence-based, person-directed, and family-driven. We share the SPECAL Method in our online and in person classes and workshops any chance we get! See our website https://dementiatogether.org or call us: 970-305-5271.
Meet Diane and Bill. Diane is a Dementia Together care partner support group member and Contented Dementia workshop participant, continually learning to apply the SPECAL Method to care well for Bill. Both are memory café guests and our volunteers. One SPECAL mantra is exemplified with our friends, Bill and Diane.
Dementia Together participants Bill and Diane
The expert leads the way; the care companion holds the key. Bill is the expert living with dementia. Diane is the care companion who is carefully observing and responding to what Bill’s actions tell her. Like anyone, Bill needs purpose. With his dementia, he needs engagement with what feels familiar to him. As a former auto parts store worker, Bill loves cars and car rides. Because of his dementia, Bill doesn’t get bored with repeating what he enjoys. No one knows Bill better than Diane. Diane has turned her initial frustration into creativity and figured out a brilliant way to fill their days with purpose and even a little extra income!
Diane, literally holds the key as she considers who Bill is and what he currently enjoys. She and Bill are now Door Dash drivers! Yep, Diane is brilliant indeed!
If you’re in Northern Colorado and receive your food deliveries from Bill and Diane, tip them well. 😊 https://www.doordash.com
Cyndy Luzinski
