Last Friday 13, Fraunhofer Portugal held a workshop on Dementia promoted by the User Network COLABORAR.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS carry out many research activities out in the field, namely in Day Care/Living Centres. On the other hand, Dementia is a condition that affects many older adults, being in fact the main cause of institutionalization amongst seniors. Therefore, we thought it would be useful for researchers to learn a bit more on how to interact with seniors with Dementia.
The psychologist who facilitated the workshop, Dr Ana Costa, has a vast experience in working with people with Dementia. She explained the process of Dementia and the changes that it brings about. Dr. Costa then gave pointers on how to interact with people with Dementia, namely in the context of participatory methods. The workshop, which combined theory and hands-on moments through role-playing, was an opportunity to reflect on the perspective of the patients and also offered many practical tips on how to deal with common difficult situations evolving patients in the context of institutions. Many strategies to promote well-being for seniors affected by this condition were also presented.
We will certainly go out into the field much more confident from now on.