Maria's Story
Understanding Aging, Culture and Memory through Empathetic Engagement
start
Objectives
By the end of this module, undergraduate psychology students will be able to: 1. Identify primary social, emotional, cognitive, and daily living challenges based on the case scenario. 2. Develop a person-centered care plan that addresses the patient's unique background, values, and cultural identity.
continue
Thinking about theTreatment Plan
Throughout this lesson, keep in mind that you will be summarizing Maria's cognitive and emotional status using observation, informal assessments, or provided screening data. Make sure to:
- Identify items or activities of significance to Maria.
- How does her current condition keep her from enjoying these to the fullest? Think of what values and hobbies you have in common with the couple.
- Identify key problem areas (e.g., anxiety, communication decline, daily functioning).
- Select at least two evidence-based therapies (e.g., Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, Validation Therapy, Music Therapy).
Be prepared to discuss your decisions in our next class.
Continue
Your first goal is to meet Maria. You will need to get to know both Maria and her husband, Andrew to determine if what their concerns are.
continue
Next, you will need to develop strategies that could help improve both Maria's life and also that of her husband and explain why it will help in Maria's life. What kind of activities and interactions with undergraduate psychology students might help her? To help you determine this, watch each video and determine what the best course of action is based on the information you have.
continue
Initial Meeting
You are meeting with Maria and Andrew to discuss difficulties Maria is having. After greeting Maria and her spouse, you must choose between a joint meeting with the couple or individual sessions with Andrew and then Maria.
Decision A: Joint meeting
continue
Decision B: Meet with Andrew first
continue
Find the best therapies for Maria
continue
Physical and Social Therapies
Occupational Therapy
Social Interaction Groups
Signs of success
Exercise Programs
Physical Therapy Success Indicators
1. Improved Mobility and Coordination
2. Reduced Pain or Rigidity
3. Enhanced Daily Function
4. Increased Engagement
5. Stabilized or Slower Physical Decline
Social Therapy Success Indicators
1. Positive Emotional Responses
2. Improved Interaction
3. Greater Sense of Belonging
4. Reduced Behavioral Symptoms
5. Maintenance of Social Skills
Encourage engagement and emotional connection with peers or caregivers.
Helps maintain independence in daily activities like dressing, eating, and grooming.
- Gentle movement (yoga, walking, chair exercises)
- Improves sleep, balance, and mood.
Exercise Programs
Occupational Therapy
Social Interaction Groups
Signs of success
Go Back
Caregiver and Family Support
Risks to monitor
Signs of success
Psychoeducation for Caregivers
Support Groups
1. Caregiver Burnout and Emotional Strain
2. Communication Breakdown
3. Financial and Legal Stress
4. Social Isolation
5. Role Reversal and Family Conflict
6. Safety and Neglect Risks
7. Emotional Overattachment or Denial
8. Cultural or Ethical Misalignment
1. Improved Knowledge and Understanding
2. Positive Behavioral and Attitudinal Changes
4. Improved Patient and Family Outcomes
Teaching families about dementia progression, communication strategies, and coping mechanisms.
- For both patients and caregivers to share experiences and reduce isolation.
Psychoeducation for Caregivers
Support Groups
Risksto watch
Signs of success
Go Back
Sensory and Creative Therapies
Aromatherapy
Pet Therapy (Animal-Assisted Therapy)
Music Therapy
Art Therapy
Essential oils (like lavender or lemon balm) may reduce agitation or promote calm.
Familiar songs can trigger memories, reduce agitation, and improve mood.
- Encourages expression through painting, drawing, or sculpting, promoting relaxation and communication.
Increases social interaction, reduces stress, and provides comfort.
Pet Therapy (Animal-Assisted Therapy)
Music Therapy
Art Therapy
Aromatherapy
Go Back
Behavioral and Environmental Approaches
Environmental Modification
Routine and Structure Development
Behavioral Therapy
Consistent daily activities reduce anxiety and confusion.
The label of “guilty” is installed and blocks collaboration. The wear already affects delivery and the climate.
- Simplifying layouts, improving lighting, and using clear signage to support independence and reduce confusion.
Behavioral Therapy
Environmental Modification
Routine and Structure Development
Go Back
Cognitive and Psychological Therapies
Reality Orientation Therapy
Reminiscence Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Encourages recalling past experiences with visual or sensory prompts (photos, music, objects) to enhance mood and identity.
Adapted forms can help reduce anxiety, depression, or agitation when the patient still has moderate cognitive function.
- Uses prompts such as calendars, clocks, or labeled photographs to help orient patients to time, place, and person.
Group-based or individual activities designed to improve thinking, memory, and communication skills (e.g., word games, discussions, puzzles).
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Reality Orientation Therapy
Reminiscence Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Go Back
Self-Reflection Moment
Take a minute to think reflect on your learning. What was your focus? Make sure to:
- Identify items or activities of significance to Maria.
- How does her current condition keep her from enjoying these to the fullest? Think of what values and hobbies you have in common with the couple.
- Identify key problem areas (e.g., anxiety, communication decline, daily functioning).
- Select at least two evidence-based therapies (e.g., Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, Validation Therapy, Music Therapy).
Be prepared to discuss your decisions in our next class.
Maria's Story
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Transcript
Maria's Story
Understanding Aging, Culture and Memory through Empathetic Engagement
start
Objectives
By the end of this module, undergraduate psychology students will be able to: 1. Identify primary social, emotional, cognitive, and daily living challenges based on the case scenario. 2. Develop a person-centered care plan that addresses the patient's unique background, values, and cultural identity.
continue
Thinking about theTreatment Plan
Throughout this lesson, keep in mind that you will be summarizing Maria's cognitive and emotional status using observation, informal assessments, or provided screening data. Make sure to:
- Identify items or activities of significance to Maria.
- How does her current condition keep her from enjoying these to the fullest? Think of what values and hobbies you have in common with the couple.
- Identify key problem areas (e.g., anxiety, communication decline, daily functioning).
- Select at least two evidence-based therapies (e.g., Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, Validation Therapy, Music Therapy).
Be prepared to discuss your decisions in our next class.Continue
Your first goal is to meet Maria. You will need to get to know both Maria and her husband, Andrew to determine if what their concerns are.
continue
Next, you will need to develop strategies that could help improve both Maria's life and also that of her husband and explain why it will help in Maria's life. What kind of activities and interactions with undergraduate psychology students might help her? To help you determine this, watch each video and determine what the best course of action is based on the information you have.
continue
Initial Meeting
You are meeting with Maria and Andrew to discuss difficulties Maria is having. After greeting Maria and her spouse, you must choose between a joint meeting with the couple or individual sessions with Andrew and then Maria.
Decision A: Joint meeting
continue
Decision B: Meet with Andrew first
continue
Find the best therapies for Maria
continue
Physical and Social Therapies
Occupational Therapy
Social Interaction Groups
Signs of success
Exercise Programs
Physical Therapy Success Indicators 1. Improved Mobility and Coordination 2. Reduced Pain or Rigidity 3. Enhanced Daily Function 4. Increased Engagement 5. Stabilized or Slower Physical Decline Social Therapy Success Indicators 1. Positive Emotional Responses 2. Improved Interaction 3. Greater Sense of Belonging 4. Reduced Behavioral Symptoms 5. Maintenance of Social Skills
Encourage engagement and emotional connection with peers or caregivers.
Helps maintain independence in daily activities like dressing, eating, and grooming.
Exercise Programs
Occupational Therapy
Social Interaction Groups
Signs of success
Go Back
Caregiver and Family Support
Risks to monitor
Signs of success
Psychoeducation for Caregivers
Support Groups
1. Caregiver Burnout and Emotional Strain 2. Communication Breakdown 3. Financial and Legal Stress 4. Social Isolation 5. Role Reversal and Family Conflict 6. Safety and Neglect Risks 7. Emotional Overattachment or Denial 8. Cultural or Ethical Misalignment
1. Improved Knowledge and Understanding 2. Positive Behavioral and Attitudinal Changes 4. Improved Patient and Family Outcomes
Teaching families about dementia progression, communication strategies, and coping mechanisms.
Psychoeducation for Caregivers
Support Groups
Risksto watch
Signs of success
Go Back
Sensory and Creative Therapies
Aromatherapy
Pet Therapy (Animal-Assisted Therapy)
Music Therapy
Art Therapy
Essential oils (like lavender or lemon balm) may reduce agitation or promote calm.
Familiar songs can trigger memories, reduce agitation, and improve mood.
Increases social interaction, reduces stress, and provides comfort.
Pet Therapy (Animal-Assisted Therapy)
Music Therapy
Art Therapy
Aromatherapy
Go Back
Behavioral and Environmental Approaches
Environmental Modification
Routine and Structure Development
Behavioral Therapy
Consistent daily activities reduce anxiety and confusion.
The label of “guilty” is installed and blocks collaboration. The wear already affects delivery and the climate.
Behavioral Therapy
Environmental Modification
Routine and Structure Development
Go Back
Cognitive and Psychological Therapies
Reality Orientation Therapy
Reminiscence Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Encourages recalling past experiences with visual or sensory prompts (photos, music, objects) to enhance mood and identity.
Adapted forms can help reduce anxiety, depression, or agitation when the patient still has moderate cognitive function.
Group-based or individual activities designed to improve thinking, memory, and communication skills (e.g., word games, discussions, puzzles).
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Reality Orientation Therapy
Reminiscence Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Go Back
Self-Reflection Moment
Take a minute to think reflect on your learning. What was your focus? Make sure to:
- Identify items or activities of significance to Maria.
- How does her current condition keep her from enjoying these to the fullest? Think of what values and hobbies you have in common with the couple.
- Identify key problem areas (e.g., anxiety, communication decline, daily functioning).
- Select at least two evidence-based therapies (e.g., Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, Validation Therapy, Music Therapy).
Be prepared to discuss your decisions in our next class.