You’ve probably heard of improvisational theatre, sometimes called “improv comedy,” or simply “improv.” It’s a form of theater where the performers have no scripts—they make the story up as they go. To succeed, the performers must use a variety of techniques:
- Active listening
- No judgment
- Giving up control
- Making your partner look good
- Embracing uncertainty
- Accepting failure and pivoting
The fundamental rule of improv is “Yes, and…”. The “Yes” in “Yes, and…” means you accept and embrace the ideas your partner brings to the stage—even if they’re not what you had in mind. The “and…” refers to not just accepting what your partner brings to the stage, but also supporting their ideas by adding to them with your full buy-in.
In recent years, researchers learned that these same skills can be applied by care partners of people living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. People living with dementia hear “no” constantly. This repeated denial can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, depression, and negative behavior. Instead of denying the statements and actions of people with dementia, there are opportunities to accept them, just as improv actors accept the spontaneous ideas of their scene partners. This acceptance can help people living with dementia feel validated, heard, and safe.
That’s why Georgia Memory Net created the Embracing Improvisation video series. These short videos share how to apply the concepts of improv to the everyday lives of you and your person living with dementia. The series demonstrates three proven techniques than can improve your interactions:
In addition to explaining these techniques, the Embracing Improvisation video series also shows them in action. Our cast of improvisers tackles common challenges that people living with dementia and their care partners often experience, like wanting to drive when it’s no longer appropriate, asking to go home, having trouble managing finances, and repeating questions over and over.
These techniques are easy to use and free to learn. Some care partners have reported that applying the rules of improv has made their interactions with their person more pleasant, positive, and even fun.
If you spend time with someone living with dementia, take some time to browse these short videos. You might just learn some techniques that will make both of your experiences more fulfilling.
If you or a loved one notices memory issues, don’t wait. Talk to your Primary Care Provider and ask if an appointment with Georgia Memory Net for diagnosis is appropriate.
