Talk about reminiscing in training as a way to share the life story--illustrate by bringing in a "cherished object" from your own life and talk about it. I brought in a leather wallet that my father had made as a young man in school. I showed it to the caregivers in training. I talked about my father. I have done this several times and it usually brings tears as I recall memories of my dad.
If the caregiver is going to be cooking for the client, find out from the family what the favorite foods are and what she likes to eat. Does she have any recipes around? What are the foods that she used to prepare for the family. One caregiver learned to make maztoh ball soup!! Make a little recipe book together.
Another training strategy is in a small group to take an activity of daily living such as dressing, and share ideas as to how it can be made low stress and fun and how they would do it using the Best Friends Approach.
