Description
6 online, on-demand training blocks that deliver basic Validation techniques that help you better communicate with aging parents and older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. In just 30 minutes you will learn an important communication skill. Each block has three parts which you can complete at your own pace.
- Lesson 1 describes the skill and shows you why it is important to learn.
- Lesson 2 is an exercise that helps you practice the skill.
- Lesson 3 shows you the skill in practice and gives specific suggestions on how you can embed it into your life.
Block 1: Centering
Learn how to clear yourself of thoughts and feelings that get in the way of making contact with others. This skill is useful for everyone and in every situation, whether you want a better relationship with your aging parents or are communicating with older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Finding moments of peace, gathering your energy and clearing yourself of other people’s emotions are just some of the benefits of learning how to center.
Block 2: Observe and Calibrate
Learn how to exquisitely observe others, picking up the clues and taking their emotional temperature. You can then take the next step to finding empathy by matching or calibrating yourself to what you observe. This connection builds a solid base for honest communication, especially for people who want better relationships with their parents or professional caregivers who want to have a better relationship with the older adults they care for.
Block 3: Voice Tone
Learn to recognize and modulate your voice tone. Whether you are communicating with your aging parents, caring for an older adult living with a dementia at home or in a senior living community, it is important to use this skill in order to improve your communication with that person. By using an adult-to-adult voice tone, you give respect to the other person and build a trusting relationship.
Block 4: Eye Contact
Learn how to make respectful eye contact. While this may seem simple, what you learn in this block will help you reduce angry responses that an older parent or person living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia may have and help build trust and increase communication with that person in ways you can’t imagine.
Block 5: Find a Respectful Distance
Learn how important it is to find the right distance from another person and how to sense this. Getting too close, especially when communicating with an older adult living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, can create anger or fear. Staying too far away can block good communication. Find that ‘just right’ spot and communication can flow easily.
Block 6: Ask, Don’t Tell
Learn a simple but powerful tool for good communication when relating to aging parents or caring for an older adult living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Recognize the difference between your needs and those of the other person. By exploring the needs and feelings of the other, you create a bond, a trusting relationship. This is the foundation of open communication.
