"Those three things --- autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward --- are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying," Malcolm Gladwell.
I am just finishing reading, Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, and the quotation above struck me. After all, for those of us providing 24/7 care, this is our current work. How can we apply the above quotation to caregivers and care receivers? Let's take care receivers first, and we will address caregivers tomorrow.
Autonomy: How can we provide autonomy for the person for whom we provide care? I look at the environment and make adjustments and supports in ways that can enable him to remain autonomous. Pills in a 7-day dispenser, typed phone numbers posted, typed instructions for how to use the tv/satellite remotes. Having regular schedules helps to support their autonomy.
Complexity: It would seem that the complexity of the world is part of the problem for a person with dementia, but what if we change the meaning to stimulation? If the person likes to read, one can get books or books on tape from the library. Concerts, movies can be enjoyable - either outside the home or on tv. Being included in social events can be uplifting.
Connection between effort and reward: Perhaps this is where positive reinforcement (praise) can come in. Behavioral pyschologists know that the behavior that we pay attention to increases. We can use this knowledge to express gratitude for the types of behavior that enhance their and our own lives. Therefore, their effort is rewarded by our praise and gratitude.
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