A Visual Communication Intervention for Caregivers of Spouses with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

An intervention was created based on visual communication for use with spousal caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The intervention was informed by Winnicott (1974) and Bloomgarden and Sezaki’s (2000) use of visual communication, rather than verbal communication, as a means of increasing communication and positive interaction in couples. Two case studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing positive interactions and relationship quality of couples dealing with AD. Couples were asked to participate in three art directives based on visual communication including a scribble chase, salt dough, and art card directive. It was found that the intervention was effective in increasing positive interaction in both case studies through increasing communication, recreation, and improving levels of interaction. Additionally, it was found that early intervention using visual communication was most beneficial.