by Matt Gannon
Learn how you can improve your interactions in dementia care by using 6 common rules of improvisational (improv) acting:
1.) Be a “Yes” Person: If one actor (i.e. resident or caregiver) says, “it is cold tonight.” It would be a crime to say: “No, it is daytime.” But don’t stop there. Use the “Yes, and…” rule. This ensures you are capable of following their lead – and therefore may develop trust and feel more control. “Yes, and here is your favorite blanket.
2.) Long-Term History: It can be useful to add short statements about your relationship’s past. "We met when I visited your home on Cherry Street, in the town of Oregon City…”
3.) Emotion: The emotion behind a line can be validated by your response. “This is so Maddening!” “Yes, it sure is Maddening, I agree with you!”
4.) Don’t Deny: Denial is the #1 reason things go bad. Anytime you refuse an offer made by your partner, your scene will be instantly compromised, and the person living with dementia will feel even less control.
5.) Don’t Ask Open-Ended Questions: Automatically puts more pressure on your partner to carry the scene, and can lead to frustration or embarrassment.
6.) Tell a Story: The real magic of improvisation is when we see the players take totally random suggestions and somehow make it work. The key is, safely keep going with what they are conveying or suggesting, and add your own answers and suggestions. In the end, a co-created “story” or “reality” is shared.
