I'm reading this book by Naomi Feil about validation techniques for communicating people with Alzheimer's, hoping to improve communication with my LO. Although I'm simplifying here, it essentially means providing sympathetic feedback to dementia patients' complaints to preserve their dignity and help them express themselves; then leading them to some kind of diversion. I was disappointed to understand that this method is ineffective with dementia patients with mental illness; I would presume mental illness includes issues like NPD, BPD, etc. Has anyone tried this technique with NPD or BPD?
That's just my way of trying to make her feel normal, the way we used to talk. I try to make it seem like I get it. It seems to work okay. For example, if I ask her how she's feeling and she says, "The part was over in the next part." I don't seem shocked or expect her to explain that. I just respond with, "Okay. It's good that the parts are getting to the right location. Let's go see what kind of parts we can see down the hallway. Can you follow me in your wheelchair?" And we move on.
The part about never letting your loved one know that they are not making sense......maybe that will work with dH.
He cannot, however, answer ANY question with a "yes" or "No". Everyone is different.
Maybe I will try not asking him anything for awhile.
Thanks.
Whenever, I visit my LO in the MC facility, I try to touch her arm, shoulder, etc. As long as she seems content, I do that. I also always hug and kiss her cheek when arriving and leaving. So, I'm going to increase it a little more. My LO is still verbal, but, only with short sentences or just words that don't really make sense, but, I never let her know that. I keep talking like things are fine and try to just make positive comments, asking her things with yes or no answers.
Whenever, I visit my LO in the MC facility, I try to touch her arm, shoulder, etc. As long as she seems content, I do that. I also always hug and kiss her cheek when arriving and leaving. So, I'm going to increase it a little more. My LO is still verbal, but, only with short sentences or just words that don't really make sense.
Thanks! I watched it too! Everything is possible.
But it certainly could not be harmful to try it. If you do, let us know how it goes.