SPECAL – Contented Dementia
SPECAL – Contented Dementia
Today on Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio learn the techniques people have been using for years around the world when dealing with those diagnosed with dementia. Penny Garner of the UK has been teaching “SPECAL” for decades. Find out what is so special about this program.
We will also be talking with Cyndy Luzinski, from the “Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado,” using the SPECAL and CONTENTED DEMENTIA techniques, will share why she believes so strongly int he program.
Contact Information:
Penny Garner
Contented Dementia Trust website: contenteddementiatrust.org
Address: the Old Hospital, Sheep Street, Burford, Oxfordshire, England OX18 4lS
Email: info@contenteddementiatrust.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specalmethod/?ref=hl
Twitter: @specalmethod
Cyndy Luzinski, Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado
970-213-4548
Email: cluzin63@gmail.com
Website: dementiafriendlycommunitiesnoco.org
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dementiafriendlycommunitiesnoco/
Additional Resources:
I am a family member who has been roped in as part of ‘the team.’ Even though my sister has grilled us all on the SPECAL method extensively and sent us videos and we are already using it.
I have just received the book through the post and primed through a long email to make sure I read pgs 200-243.
My two sisters who have Power Of Attorney (POA) are working in unison with this and have already postponed mums move to a care home while they train the staff at the care home. Not only that, they are preparing mums passport and very strict instructions that should anything go wrong (Red traffic Light) they will be the ones to swoop in stopping the carers and visitors while they sort it all out and bring calm back to my mums world. Sounds like ‘a rescue’ or to ‘save her.’ They are the youngest two within our family and the most panicked people I know, jumping every time mum breathes.
On starting to read this book I think the way it is written leaves this method open to abuse. My sisters are setting this up to fail because what care home is going to allow that much control. Yes, they are willing to listen and work with them but I know my sisters and they are full of control and ask for perfection. They will want to run the show there.
It’s enough I think to ask people to consider the method and practice it but you cannot then stand over people and admonish them for getting it wrong. What peace does that bring to my mums world? Also, even mums sisters are frowned upon and they too will get a copy of the booklet. Mum is 92 and her sister’s not far behind her. Doesn’t this stop people from being themselves. Where’s the grace and room for people to make mistakes and learn along the way? My two sisters believe they are the experts now. We’ve been told they will let us know when we can visit mum.
I hope Penelope Garner will consider that this method is open to abuse. Oliver James is a controversial figure and Penelope knows him because her daughter is married to him. I would like to ask Penelope was there manipulation, domination and control in his childhood because that book stinks of it?!
I really hope Penelope will incorporate a model into her training that covers these things. No one can control another, we can only change ourselves.
My sisters have put mum into a number of care homes now but could not work with them and pulled her out. They are setting themselves up again for this to fail. The rest of the family are not listened to because the POA is bludgeoned over our heads and mum has got lost in it all. Something the rest of the family have voiced over and over but we are not being listened to.
Why does dementia polarise families so much?
Oh Maria, I am so sorry you family is struggling. Sad to say, but it is not uncommon. I am sure this is difficult on your mother too, especially if she is being moved from community to community. Routines are important, along with feeling comfortable and safe around those who are caring for them. Generally when family members step in strong, they truly feel they are doing the correct thing to care and protect their loved one, but sometimes it backfires and breaks families apart. I hope your sisters will be willing to talk with all of the family to discuss overall quality of life for your mother and the rest of you. Sending prayers. Lori
Hello Maria, I was sad to read about the situation you are in with your family. I’m sorry you are having such a struggle. It sounds like your sisters have missed the intent of the one-page SPECAL passport which is to HELP the professional care staff promote well-being for your mother, not to control and police the very people who are doing their best to care well. The danger of reading a book without participating in an actual SPECAL class is that some of the foundational principles of SPECAL are missed.
In our classes at Dementia Together, we often teach that the journey with dementia is a journey of learning to give and receive grace. Grace to the person experiencing the disability of dementia. Grace to the people who are trying and may not always get it perfect. (Life before dementia wasn’t perfect either.) Grace to the people who have backed away out of stigma, ignorance, and fear. And grace to ourselves as family care partners who are learning to let the expert (our loved one living with dementia) lead the way. The real expert is the person living with dementia showing us what helps and what doesn’t. We need to listen and learn from them. Your concern for your mother’s well-being is understandable. I hope you and your family can work through the challenging dynamics to become the team your mum needs.
Thank you Cyndy for your thorough explanation.
You are the best!
Lori