Altman Interventions

Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia may include apathy, rumination, perseveration, wandering, paranoia, and agitation. Moreover, individuals with dementia may decline medication and self care, struggle with sleep cycles, act on impulse, ask repetitive questions, be confused about the present day, amongst others.

Those with dementia have limited insight into these behaviors and therefore struggle to change or stop these behaviors. In addition, these behaviors may be a means of communication as those with dementia lose their ability to adequately make their needs known.

I work with the caregiver to view these situations like a scientist. I aim to empower the caregiver, while upholding the integrity of the individual with dementia. Together we come upon strategies to help shift behavioral symptoms of dementia, to instill a sense of comfort and familiarity, and to utilize the remaining cognitive strengths of our loved ones.

Behavior management strategies can be utilized with individuals living at home, in skilled nursing facilities and in assisted living centers.

It can be extremely difficult to be in the role of caregiver or to be a child, sibling or partner of someone with a progressive cognitive disease. Given that caregivers hold much of the stress and burden, coaching services can be helpful to support and empower the caregiver in a role that he/she likely did not anticipate or desire.

I have many years of evidence-based training and experience working with caregivers in individual and group therapy formats.

As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), I am intimately familiar with the concepts and treatment style of Motivational Interviewing.

I have trained on Motivational Interviewing locally, nationally and internationally.

In family units we may take on the expert role and often this does not create the change we want to see. This is even more complicated if our loved one may have cognitive impairments and insight limitations.

I am available for workshops and coaching for family members and caregivers on how to best dialogue with loved ones regarding behavior change. We will aim to wrestle less and dance more with our loved ones.