Positive Physical Approach
A consistent way of approaching and greeting a person with dementia, grounded in how they perceive the space around them.
Our approach
Trained to connect, not just to assist
Every Silverleaf caregiver trains in Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, a method built on understanding how people living with dementia experience the world.
What PAC is
Working with the changing brain
The Positive Approach to Care, developed by dementia care educator Teepa Snow, starts from a simple idea: understand which abilities are changing and work with the ones that remain, rather than against the ones that are fading. It gives caregivers concrete, practiced techniques for connection and daily support.
At Silverleaf, PAC is how we train and who we hire. It is part of caregiver development across Silverleaf, used internally for our own team. It shapes assisted living, memory care, and home care alike.
Understand first
How dementia and other brain changes affect a person's abilities, communication, and experience of the world.
Meet them where they are
Connection before correction, adapting communication and care to the individual.
Build on what remains
Recognize and work with the abilities that remain, preserving dignity, independence, and trust.
In practice
Techniques caregivers practice
Hand Under Hand
A supportive way of guiding movement during daily activities that preserves a person's sense of doing things themselves.
Positive Personal Connections
Ways of connecting with a person before beginning any task, so care starts from relationship rather than interruption.
Positive Action Starters
Phrasing that invites participation in care tasks instead of demanding it.
Why it matters
What families notice
Care built this way feels different to be around: less rushing, less friction, more moments where your loved one is met as a person. It is the foundation of our memory care and travels with our caregivers into home care as well.
PAC training is also central to how we recruit and grow our team, through careers at Silverleaf and Silverleaf Academy.
Ask us about our approach
Questions families ask
Questions about our approach
What is the Positive Approach to Care?
A method developed by dementia care educator Teepa Snow. It starts from a simple idea: understand which abilities are changing and work with the ones that remain, rather than against the ones that are fading.
Do all Silverleaf caregivers train in it?
Yes. Every Silverleaf caregiver trains in the Positive Approach to Care, and it shapes assisted living, memory care, and home care alike.
What techniques do caregivers practice?
The Positive Physical Approach, Hand Under Hand, Positive Personal Connections, and Positive Action Starters.
Is it only for memory care?
No. It is the foundation of our memory care, and it travels with our caregivers into home care and assisted living as well.
Still have a question? Call (512) 831-5600.