Insights

Leah Casey
Neighborhood Guide
Porter Hills Village

Watch the WZZM 13 On Your Side Senior Wellness segment on this topic.

The positive physical approach is a technique used that allows a person living with dementia to connect at their own speed and not feel frightened. It was created by Teepa Snow, who is one of the leading educators on dementia and the care that accompanies it.

How To:

Walk in and approach from the front, and go slowly (about 1 second per step) at a visual range.  

It’s very common for care-givers and even family members to approach a person living with dementia from behind, if the caregiver is busy with tasks, such as grooming, taking a person to an activity, etc. However, this feels unnatural and can be confusing and scary for a person with dementia. This could cause the individual to want to protect themselves and elicit a reaction. This is called Flight, Fight, or Fright.

Position yourself to the side of the resident: Teepa calls this “Supportive Stance”. Stand at an arm’s length

Always avoid bending down at strange angles or while a person living with dementia is in a wheelchair or perhaps at the dining table. This can be both overwhelming and frightening because it can be difficult for the individual to figure out what is happening.

Get down to the individual’s level by squatting or kneeling, crouching low.

If you are unable to due to ailments or bad knees, get assistance with getting a chair to sit in at their level.

Offer your hand

This allows the person living with dementia to feel in control but to most likely cooperate and have an interest in participating.

Call the individual by name

A great way of doing this is saying “I am Suzie, and you are?” if the individual is still verbal. If not, call them by name so they feel connected.