A Practical Tool for Person-Centred Care
Are you caring for someone with dementia? VHA Home HealthCare’s Heart in Mind Activation Therapy is a free online toolkit created for families, personal support workers, therapists or other health care providers to engage loved ones and clients living with dementia.
Feelings are a big part of dementia. Inspired by the Dementia Care Matters Butterfly Model, this e-module provides easy access to feelings-based communication and activity ideas to empower you to stimulate the body and mind.
VHA's Heart in Mind Activation Therapy helps to keep our Hearts in Mind by:
- Engaging based on personal interests and “season” of dementia
- Feeling empowered to provide care that acknowledges feelings
- Enjoying a collaborative spirit between all members of your care team
"I must tell you that the activation techniques of Heart in Mind have been a great help to me and my family as we care for my 94 year old mother-in-law.
To use the Heart in Mind terms, she is now at the “Autumn” stage of her dementia journey. Although her personality through her life was quite stoic, the disease has brought forward much more expression of her feelings. The activation interactions with her seem to help us better understand these feelings and feel that we are supporting her."
