The Spark of Life Philosophy

The Spark of Life Philosophy

Spark of Life Philosophy has at its core the ability to facilitate the most genuine, honest, humanitarian expression of compassion, understanding, and love. When this quality connection is missing, it has an acute damaging effect on the person with dementia, often resulting in expressions of deep despair.

However, when the person with dementia is met with kindness and lovingly listened to – it offers the profound promise: You are still here. You still matter. We are here for you.

The Philosophy is expressed in the tone of our voice, the way we approach the person with dementia, the way we welcome them into a room, the way we shake and gently hold their hands, and the way we stay present in silence when they are trying to find the words.

Foundational Pillars of the Spark of Life Philosophy

The 3 main theoretical foundations that underpin the Spark of Life Philosophy are based on the professional background of our Founder Jane Verity

1. Occupational Therapy.
   A person’s physical, psychological, and social well-being are integral to the work of an Occupational Therapist (OT) – always considering the whole person. In addition, a strong rehabilitative commitment underpins an OT’s engagement with each client and patient. The focus is on rehabilitating the areas of disability or trauma to the highest level of functioning while at the same time strengthening the remaining abilities to compensate for any gap in functioning.This integrated rehabilitative approach is part of the Spark of Life Philosophy for people with dementia with a focus on facilitating rehabilitation and rementia (recovery of lost abilities) in the area of cognition. This approach is fully backed by modern neuroscience on neuroplasticity.
2. Family Therapy specialising in Advanced Systems Theory.
   In advanced systems theory, the focus is not on the person displaying a challenging behaviour but instead on identifying the inadvertent attitudes and behaviours in the close network of people – staff and relatives, that are causing the expressions of frustration or anger.  In the Spark of Life Philosophy, these behaviours are understood as unmet emotional needs, and our education provides staff and relatives with the lifechanging insights and skills to ensure long lasting positive outcomes for all involved.
3. NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming.
   NLP is the science on how language programs us through thought, and the verbal- or written word. Once fully understood and integrated, the knowledge from NLP can be used to re-phrase language that in the past has led to undesirable results to a different language that can lead to positive and constructive outcomes. Jane’s profound level of understanding of this discipline has enable her to develop a ‘new’ language for staff and relatives to connect with the person who has dementia in a way that prevents angry outburst and instead facilitates enriched engagement.

This profound way of connecting is often the fundamental and missing piece in the puzzle of complete person-centred and trauma healing. 

The Spark of Life Philosophy is now practiced in diverse cultures and fields in 12 countries with remarkable results – in some cultures, literally saving lives.