Counsellor, Client Services, Alzheimer's
Australia Vic
Liz Ronsisvalle
Counsellor, Client Services, Alzheimer's
Australia Vic
evaluate a group based intervention for family
members of people with dementia using a
specific therapeutic technique, Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
reputable therapeutic technique and research
has demonstrated its efficacy with a variety of
clients, including those experiencing anxiety
and depression, resulting in increased well-
being and coping skills. CBT examines the
link between cognitions (thoughts), feelings
and behaviour. The premise of the approach
is to assist clients to analyse their responses
to events by understanding the preceding
thoughts. In doing so, the intervention
attempts to work with clients through self-
awareness and in changing and challenging the
thoughts that are underpinning their negative
emotions.
assist carers of people with dementia to learn
new skills to better manage the emotional
demands of being a carer through attendance
of an eight-week, group based CBT program. In
particular, comparison of scores on a number
of scales before and after treatment using the
CBT program, were used in conjunction with
qualitative data to assess changes in individual
self-efficacy and mood.
for this population and progress of the group
intervention and its evaluation to date will be
discussed.
M.Hlth.Sc/RN. Division 1 Facility Manager,
Aged Care and Dementia Consultant, Educator
the therapeutic impact of the provision of a
lifelike baby doll as a therapeutic tool, on the
behaviour of a person living with dementia.
Specifically, the research assessed the
potential benefits, if any, of the use of doll
therapy in reducing behaviours of concern such
as anxiety and agitation that may be associated
with observed past attachment needs of a
person with dementia.
advanced Alzheimer's disease was the subject
of this research to examine the therapeutic
impact of the use of a doll on behaviours
of concern, attachment needs and social
interaction. The study used both qualitative
and quantitative research designs and
methodologies in data collection and analysis.
a positive intervention for the person living
with dementia who was the participant in
this research. The findings indicate significant