Rethinking Communication guide to advanced dementia
43 own rhythms and movements when someone else closely matches them. They feel heard. Someone is relating to them. Scientific studies have now shown how effective Intensive Interaction can be as a way of reaching people with advanced dementia. 7 Surprisingly, it often works within minutes, even when a person has seemed entirely inaccessible. Its effects can range from very subtle to obvious. It doesn’t work at the same pace for everyone. In general, though, Intensive Interaction is remarkably successful at creating connection. It isn’t unusual to hear newly trained staff use the word “amazing”. Once rapport is established, the exchange can become creative. The rhythm between the two partners becomes richer and new elements are brought into the interaction. The exchange begins to look like the playful conversations that parents and infants have together. That playfulness pulls people out of their own solitary world and back 7 A J Astell & M P Ellis (2006) The social function of imitation in severe dementia. Infant and Child Development, 15, 311-319
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