iCARER

Communication skills for compassionate relationships

(a validation-approach )

It starts with you! The i in iCARER

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To have dementia means that you can feel in a constant state of vulnerability. Crucial moments in communication happen when the well-being of everyone is under threat. When it matters most, we as helpers can often act at our worst. 

iCARER is an acronym for a set of skilful therapeutic interaction. It is warmer, richer in feeling than that of everyday life.  The purpose is to find a shared meaning between two people and understand the reality the person with dementia is experiencing.  By using such interaction, the helper is conveying, you are important to me. I am listening. I want to understand. 

Aim

iCARER is about helping to create compassionate dementia friendly neighbourhoods through the way we communicate with individuals experiencing dementia to ensure that they feel understood and included. 

Who should attend?

An iCARER has already an understanding of what it's like to live with dementia and learns how best to communicate with the person, particularly when emotions are beginning to run high.

The iCARER Communication Awareness session is 2½ - 3 hrs for care teams, hospital personnel, paramedical, people in local businesses, such as shop owners, supermarkets, post offices, ambulance services, taxi and bus services, bank personnel and individuals.  

What will I learn?

1. To develop a further awareness of your feelings and how you behave towards a person experiencing dementia at any given moment.

2. A set of compassionate listening skills; the iCARER that help you experience the other person’s reality and to find a shared meaning.

3. The skills in observing, listening, pacing, responding, exploring, matching voice tones, collaborating and facilitation.

4. How to quickly build rapport and a trusting relationship in emotional situations

What will I be able to do?

1. Communicate effectively and confidently in difficult situations when emotions are running high.

2. Know you are giving the best care possible. 

3. Offer support and guidance to families by demonstrating an alternative way of communicating.

4. Build therapeutic relationships with people experiencing dementia in your neighbourhood.

What are the benefits to my community?

• Helping to create listening dementia friendly neighbourhoods through the way we communicate with individuals experiencing dementia

• People who respond more positively to the individual’s emotions and needs

• People feel more competent in handling stressful situations than before

• Increased morale and decrease in helper burn-out, therefore, higher staff retention in care organisations.

• Families living with dementia feel supported by their community

If you wish to commission the Dementia iCARER Communication Session for your organisation, please contact Rosemary Hurtley 01483 275555