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Natalie Davis
"If a plant is not cared for the right way, it will not thrive. If a person with dementia is not cared for the right way, that person will not thrive, nor grow. That person will wilt."
Nurturing Growth in Dementia Care
A person with a “Green Thumb” has the ability to nurture, care for and grow plants. A plant will bloom, a plant can be revived if it wilts, a plant brings joy to others when cared for in the right way. Having a green thumb means to have a special skill.Taking care of a plant requires specific knowledge. Skills can be learned. If a plant is not thriving, we change the care it receives.
A person with a “Purple Thumb” has the ability to nurture and provide care approaches to a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Having a “Purple Thumb” means having a special skill and ability to help the person with dementia thrive, grow andbloom. Taking care of a person with dementia requires specific knowledge. Skills can be learned. If a person with dementia is not thriving, we must also change the care that person receives.
What do care partners do if they have a "purple thumb?"
A person with a purple thumb recognizes the impact of the environment on the person and continually assesses its effectiveness.
A person with a “purple thumb” asks:
Is the room too stimulating? Where is the person most comfortable? Is it at a particular table, in a specific chair? Is it with just a few people? Does the person need a sunny location, a view of the outside? Does the person feel safe?
The person with the "purple thumb" designs individualized approaches for care and engagement. They ask:
What habits and routines are important to this person?
What time of day is best for specific activities?
What kinds of food are most comforting?
What choices can the person make?
What is the person's greatest need? Socialization? Purpose? Identity?
When does the person appear the most engaged?
The person with the "purple thumb" knows what the person with dementia CAN do and create opportunities to use these strengths. They recognize that the actions and reactions of the person are a means of nonverbal communication.
Many persons with dementia cannot express their feelings or needs, they cannot tell us what they want. It is up to the caregiver to learn the habits and preferences of each person. This requires close observation to decide if the care is encouraging growth. A plant cannot talk and tell us what it needs, it is up to the gardener to learn the habits, observe closely, and decide if the care is encouraging enough.
The person with the "purple thumb" acknowledges that caregiving is an art and requires creativity and innovative thinking: rhythm and music, talking and reminiscing, using sensory cues to trigger thoughts, appreciating beauty, enjoying art, offering unexpected pleasures, laughing.
Just as a person with a "green thumb" notices little things, like when leaves change color, blooms don't come as scheduled, or stems begin to wilt, the person with the "purple thumb" notices small changes, observes unusual responses, and emotional reactions. They recognize when a change in the plan of care is needed.
The person with the "purple thumb" understands that all people are different and care is always evolving. This caregiver knows that
Joe responds with pride when he is called "Colonel" but only in a specific tone of voice.
Maddie is calmed by walking outside BUT she doesn't remember how to go out.
Frank will get in the car for his daughter if he has is golf clubs, BUT the staff need to "go along."
Kate relaxes when she is called "teacher" BUT she needs help to create opportunities.
Ted likes to watch the Boston Red Sox BUT he needs help to turn it on and find the game.
Pat is engaged while reading a book BUT she needs to have this task simplified.
Sue will remain focused when she has her clipboard BUT she needs to be cued.
Eunice will sit contently while looking at the garden BUT she needs cueing to look at it.
Ellie transitions to bed by reading the Bible BUT she needs a simplified format and reminding.
The person with the "purple thumb" provides care and activities gently. They recognize that each person needs a caring approach delivered with compassion and love. Just as the gardener uses delicate actions with leaves and blooms, those delivering care and activities to the person with dementia understand how to approach with a gentle attitude. The roots are protected and nourished. The values and "roots" of the person are validated, new growth is protected and celebrated. "Purple Thumb Club" members celebrate the temporary, and each "bloom of life" from the people they nurture.
Learn more about growing your community into a Purple Thumb Community or becoming a Purple Thumb Caregiver HERE!
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