McCurry, S. M., & Drossel, C. (2011). Build collaborative relationships. In S. M. McCurry & C. Drossel, Treating dementia in context: A step-by-step guide to working with individuals and families (pp. 39-49). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/12314-003
In this chapter, we focus on the relationship you build with your clients and the attitude or posture you assume toward their disease and symptoms. Unlike the care of persons with chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, which can be managed with medications or healthier patterns of eating or exercising, treatment of persons with cognitive decline almost always involves work at the interpersonal level. Effective dementia care creates a psychosocial environment that fosters meaningful activity and prevents social withdrawal. It institutes reinforcement (e.g., increases in pleasurable activity and interpersonal connection) and tries to eliminate punishment contingencies (e.g., decreases in engagement) in the client’s life by changing his or her social environment. To that end, it promotes acceptance and understanding of the incurable aspects of the dementing illness, while at the same time generating hope for improved quality of life. When you are able to relate to your clients with empathy, respect, flexibility, and genuine regard, you can make a difference in their lives. The DANCE model includes 5 major ideas: (1) D: Discuss concerns respectfully; (2) A: Ameliorate excess disability; (3) N: Nurture the dyad; (4) C: Create contextual solutions; and (5) E: Enjoy the journey. We use the case of Mr. Smith, an 80-yr-old woman with dementia to illustrate the use of the DANCE model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)