How Transformational Coaching Can Benefit People with Alzheimer’s Disease

People with Alzheimer disease pose significant challenges for themselves as well as for their families and caregivers. As the global population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s continues to rise, which brings us to the innovative approaches to support those living with the condition. And regarding this, transformational coaches can play a profound role in the life of people suffering with Alzheimer disease.

Transformational coaching takes a comprehensive approach in ensuring emotional well-being, personal growth, and empowerment of those people. So, it’s vital that you know how transformational coaching can benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease.

This article explores how transformational coaching serves individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike conventional approaches, it takes a holistic perspective, emphasizing on the emotional resilience, sense of self, and active participation in their own care.

How Transformational Coaching Can Benefit People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Transformational coaching is a powerful approach to provide significant relief for Alzheimer’s disease. As you see, traditional support and care focus primarily on managing symptoms and providing assistance with daily activities. On the other hand, transformational coaching takes a comprehensive approach to help the sufferer enjoy better peace of mind.

A study named, “The Coaching for Cognition in Alzheimer’s (COCOA) trial: Study design” found that proper transformational coaching focuses on a person-centered care model. People are recognizing it as essential in dementia care.

Also, it ensures a collaborative partnership between the coach and the individual with Alzheimer’s. The approach empowers the person to actively participate in their care and decision-making process.

In another study, Clare, L., Kudlicka, A., Oyebode, JR., (2019) found that an experienced transformational coach, will promote cognitive function. They also work to stimulate mental engagement for people suffering with Alzheimer’s.

The coach creates tailored strategies and activities to challenge and stimulate the person’s cognitive abilities, such as memory exercises, problem-solving tasks, and creative activities. As the person follows the guideline, their cognitive skill improves and helps them relieve from the symptoms and suffering of Alzheimer disease.

Here’s how a transformational coach can help address some common signs of Alzheimer’s:

Assistance with memory loss problem:

A transformational coach employs memory-enhancing exercises and techniques. The best thing is that they will customize these exercises for each one to provide them faster relief. These may include memory games, visualization exercises, or creating personalized memory aids.

On top of it, the coach assists in developing practical strategies. It will compensate for memory loss, such as implementing routines and organizing living spaces. The strategies also help in utilizing reminder tools like calendars or smartphone apps.

Helping with disorientation and confusion:

Transformational coaches such as Rene van der Zouwen engage people in cognitive activities. These tailored activities will promote mental engagement and orientation. It could include

  • Puzzles,
  • Storytelling, or
  • reminiscence therapy

All these will stimulate memory recall and foster a sense of time and place.

Besides the orientation mechanism, coaches may teach mindfulness and grounding exercises. So, it will help Alzheimer suffer to regain focus and reduce anxiety. As a result, it will enhance their present moment awareness, thereby reducing disorientation.

Improves judgment and problem-solving skills:

A transformational coach offers guidance and support in decision-making processes, breaking down complex choices into manageable steps. They help the sufferer to explore alternatives, weigh pros and cons, and facilitate informed decision-making while respecting the person’s autonomy.

Plus, they assist in developing problem-solving skills for people with Alzheimer disease too. It focuses on breaking problems into smaller parts, brainstorming ideas, and evaluating potential solutions. Henceforth, the individuals can maintain a sense of independence and self-efficacy in managing their daily challenges.

Changes in Mood and Personality:

Transformational coaching often incorporates techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and guided imagery. All these will help individuals with Alzheimer disease to manage and regulate their emotions.

Moreover, these practices will reduce their anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. It will not only promote emotional well-being but also bring stability in the life of the aged people suffering with this obnoxious disease.

Reduced difficulties with daily activities:

Transformational coaches focus on adaptive strategies. They collaborate with people with Alzheimer’s to develop strategies. It enables them to continue participating in daily activities as independently as possible. This may involve simplifying routines, or introducing assistive devices.

Also, through coaching, individuals can build confidence, set realistic goals, celebrate achievements, and focus on their accomplishment. All these will surely boost a sense of self-efficacy and promote a positive mindset among Alzheimer sufferers.

Conclusion:

Alzheimer’s disease is something that people can’t fully recover from but need to learn to manage their life with it. Regarding this, a transformational coach provides personalized support, foster growth, and enhance well-being for individuals living with the condition.

Nonetheless, note that the approach should be tailored to each person’s unique needs and capacities. It will have to consider the stage of the disease and any other relevant factors for the best results.

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