Spark of Life Model of Care in Kolkata, India
By Nilanjana Maulik, Spark of Life Master Practitioner, Kolkata, India
As a Spark of Life Master Practitioner, educated to implement the Spark of Life Model of Care through Dementia Care International, I am my team are now implementing this universal dementia philosophy in the activities & services towards people living with dementia across the eastern region of the country covering the major cities to grassroot villages.
From discussing the Spark of Life Philosophy during awareness building campaigns and with the practical support of Dementia Care International to train families and professional caregivers, the impact in terms of deeply connecting with the cause and the journey is significant.
The most effective aspect of the model is that is has an essential focus on humanizing dementia care. This very fact touches people across the region and hence the impact is profound. Also, during training sessions with caregivers the promise that the knowledge and skills are not just for people with early moderate stage but till the advanced stage, gives immense hope to those who are in caring roles.
Simple lessons we have learned from the model, for example that we need to support the person with dementia to be set up for success instead of failure, help us change the perceptions of the community in a positive way towards the condition and address their lack of understanding of the needs of the person with dementia and elderly people in general.
Finally, the best part of the model is that it is very easy to measure and sustain in a service.
The uniqueness of the model is in the fact that it can be adapted to our culture. For that matter it can be adopted into any culture as the basis or essence of the model is based on the culture of care, which is universal.
Staff members & volunteers can relate to the approach and are enriched and encouraged to validate the awareness and lucidity of the person by accepting their ways. A client at Sriti Sudhay, our daycare center who thought the space was a temple was not corrected as long as he appeared to feel good. The focus of the staff was to initiate a conversation and lead it to connection. Another person who found it meaningful to help in the kitchen activities was allowed to do that as long as her safety was not compromised or no one else was disturbed. By practising the philosophy of Spark of Life care model, we guarantee that every member who comes under our care space spends their day with lots of smiles, laughter and fun.
The other aspect is that it helps staff morale, energy and attitude in a valuable way. The staff learn to question themselves and the care environment with insight and their new knowledge consistently. Their positive comfort and confidence level when they are with their clients speaks volumes about the Spark of Life Philosophy and Education.
Ardsi Calcutta Chapter established in 1999 completes 25 years of existence in the State of West Bengal. In this journey the organization has worked everyday to build dementia awareness, knowledge, understanding and empathy in the community at large towards people living with it.
The overall mission is to create widespread awareness and acceptance of those living with Dementia via continued education, advocacy & services like memory clinic, daycare center, home companionship, caregiver support meets and training. And the vision is to see an enhanced quality of life for those living with Dementia and their caregivers with support of genuinely dedicated, compassionate, committed human resources and a good quality model of care.
The members of ARDSI Calcutta comprise of family caregivers of persons living with dementia, professional caregivers, specialized dementia care experts, eminent doctors, including practicing neurologists, psychiatrists, neuro-psychologists and geriatricians, professionals from different fields, eminent personalities from various walks of the society, social workers and persons having compassion and passion for working for the elders and those experiencing dementia. ARDSI Calcutta, thus, is endowed with a rich multi-directional expertise and experience devoted to its mission.
The best practice Spark of Life Model of Care developed by Dementia Care International, has helped us deliver quality service. The model rests on promoting experiences of dignity, respect and unconditional love to help persons living with dementia experience themselves as valuable persons. This universal philosophy of care is easy to adopt and adapt in our Indian culture.