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Videos

Caregiver Frustration

In this video, the individual with dementia experiences anxiety, agitation and frustration. As well, the caregiver is tired, frustrated and having difficulty coping with her husband’s behaviors. I recommend you watch this video three times.

First viewing: Watch it through the first (you can stop at 1:10 if you don’t want to watch the narrative). Watch the entire scene. What is happening. What time of day is it? What is the interaction between the couple? What are the family dynamics?

Second viewing: With a fresh set of eyes , consider: What is the patient experiencing. Put yourself in his shoes for a moment. How is he feeling?

Third viewing: Now look at it from her point of view. How is she feeling.

Finally: How would you help this couple deal with the issues they are facing? If providing counseling to her, what topics might you address regarding: Disease process, premorbid personality, family dynamics and approach?

 Sundowners

This commentary is focused on (seconds) 0:53-1:28. Set in a long term care facility this gentleman is experiencing sundowner’s syndrome. Again, I encourage you to watch the video three times.

First: watch the entire scene. What is happening. What time of day is it? What in general is going on?

Second: View again and look at it from his point of view. Even though we don’t know his former occupation, what can you gather from what he is saying. What is important to him in that moment?

Third viewing: How is his caregiver addressing the issue?

Finally, can you think of different approaches. Look at it from a slightly different angle. Can we deescalate the situation by talking to him about the cows?

This video from the Veteran’s Administration provides “situation/good/better” scenarios, all set in a facility. Using the strategies I mentioned above, watch the videos first focusing on what is happening, what is the situation, what is the patient and staff experiencing. Then watch each follow-up, identifying other strategies to deal with the same situation, desescalating and preventing the behavior