What it means
Developed by Naomi Feil for older adults with moderate to late-stage dementiadih-MEN-shuhA long-term, usually worsening decline in memory and thinking that is serious enough to affect daily life.de- away fromment mind-ia conditionFull entry . Instead of arguing about facts, the caregiver listens for the feeling behind what the person says and responds to it. A woman asking for her long-dead mother might be asked, "Tell me about your mother," rather than told that her mother has died. Reality orientation, which corrects the person, is used more for mild or temporary confusion.
For the nurse
Use a calm voice, eye contact and gentle touch if welcome; name the feeling ("You sound worried") and redirect gently. Correcting a person with advanced dementia often adds distress without helping.
Related terms
Alzheimer disease
A brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.
dementia
A long-term, usually worsening decline in memory and thinking that is serious enough to affect daily life.