SAIDO training

“Why did you get training in SAIDO?” my cousin queried. I had to stop and think for a moment. Why DID I do it? It is at Waterford, not exactly right around the corner. “Is it because you want to give back to Waterford since your mom was there?” she continued asking. “I think that’s it,” I slowly nodded.

SAIDO training, a Japanese learning therapy for dementia patients, was definitely one highlight of this past week. Learning about the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, viewing videos of elderly patients before and after they received the therapy, and conversing with those involved with geriatric care intrigued me from start to finish. Time went quickly and I found myself disappointed when it ended.

One part of the training involved actually practicing the therapy on other participants. This included instruction in reading, writing, and math. One of the most fascinating parts is how the Japanese correct the patients’ assignments. Only red pens are used, every patient receives 100 despite errors, and each paper is circled in a certain section of the paper. No percentage sign is used on the paper. The 100 needs to be in the quarter right of the paper. It took me a little bit to make sure I was doing this part right as I don’t necessarily grade every students’ paper with a circle or the percentage in the exact spot each time!

Positive affirmations are essential to the program as well. The system is called MRP– mark, record, and praise. I liked it!

After my training, I was excited to use some of the techniques on my father. I printed off some math sheets and encouraged him to complete them. “This is good for your brain, Dad!” I enthusiastically announced as he sat in his gray recliner. “Okay,” he grudgingly answered. The math, double digit addition, proved to be too easy. “You must think I am really dumb to give me this math,” he said, in a despondent manner. “This is for second graders!” I quickly realized that SAIDO ideas weren’t for him and put the papers away. Sighing, I decided that my training would be better for those at Waterford who actually signed up for the program. I consoled myself with the thought that maybe another day would be better or I should print some word problems instead.

Despite the failed attempt with my father, I look forward to heading back to Waterford to begin my volunteering with the patients!