I often say, “there is hope in dementia.” And, “there can be beauty in dementia.” Because when we get it right with dementia, I’ve witnessed both. In fact, some of the most profound experiences of my life have come when spending time with one of my companions with dementia. But dementia is still dementia. It comes with unpredictability, struggle, and…
Our good friend passed away March 15th. A life well lived, and he finished well. We are honored to have shared moments of his life during his last couple of years; companions in outdoor recreation, enjoying volunteer service with Colorado Youth Outdoors, simply being well in his own home when community outings became too uncomfortable. We learned a great deal…
Two people have told me recently, “learning to get it right with dementia is like learning a new language.” If you have ever traveled to another country where the people speak a different language and you do not speak that language, you know the uneasy feeling and clumsy struggle of navigating your way. So it is with dementia until we…
I suppose there have been times when I have been running from something. For sure, there have been times when I have been running through something. But as I look back, I catch a glimmer of the hope I could not see but somehow felt. I started running when I was thirteen years old. My Dad was running to stay…
I have had the privilege of sharing zoom calls with three families in the last two weeks. Families who are moving beyond the stage of shock following their loved one’s diagnosis of dementia. Families for whom this is the first conversation with a healthcare professional and dementia specialist after receiving the diagnosis. Families who share, through their tears and their…
I have a friend who is eighty-eight years old. She has advanced dementia, and she has become my good friend. Recently, her doctor changed the dosage for her medication. Because she lacks the cognitive skills that would allow her to remember the details of the medication change (she is unable to remember or bring to mind which pill was changed…
"People are not limited so much by their illness as by their attitude to it. The illness may present physical challenges, but the emotional challenge is often far more important. Our human spirit may stumble as the path ahead appears too daunting, yet with support and encouragement, our resilience can be re-enabled and used to find creative solutions. We are…
Chimney Rock, one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks for pioneer travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. A natural geologic formation, it became a symbol of the great western migration. My Grandmother’s headstone reads, “She Loved Life”. I never got the chance to ask her why she wanted that very statement on her headstone. She died with…
My good friends and I (they happen to be 91- and 97-year-old women who do not have dementia) have agreed that we either need to learn to keep our mouths shut, or we need to invest in duct tape. Each of us are Moms of adults kids, you see, and each of us love our kids so dearly that we…
Families often share, when speaking about their loved one with dementia, “He just won’t get up out his chair.” Or, “I can’t seem to get Mom out the door for a walk anymore.” When I suggest to my friend Lola that it is a beautiful day for a walk and that I wonder if she would like to join me,…
