Surprises – My Dad and Me: Part 4
So this has surprised me: the fear and sadness that already grip my heart in waves as some part of me anticipates the day he draws his last breath.
Sharing Stories
It is a misunderstanding that we necessarily lose our loved ones to dementia before they die. We can keep a close, soul-to-soul relationship with our companions by memorizing their stories and being ready to share them back with them when they become unable to. Those stories often will include us as family and friends.
My Dad and Me Pt 3
The DAWN Method will teach you how to create an environment where it is possible to brush and floss teeth, trim fingernails and toenails, pluck chin hairs, get up close and personal with a companion with dementia, and not worry about being harmed by them.
The Joy of Laughter
Laughter is a powerful way to connect with your loved one. You might be surprised by how much they still understand—remember, they’re not losing intellect, just skill.
My Dad and Me: part 2
I was inspired to learn the DAWN Method because my heart suffered as I watched my dad’s mom, my beloved grandmother, go through her life-depleting journey to end-of-life without dementia specialist care.
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia pt 10: Embracing Whimsy and Fun
At Better People Care, we encourage whimsy and pure fun, often inspired by the creativity of our caregivers. Try something spontaneous—go bowling, take a bike ride, or make it a tradition to get ice cream every week during the summer. (If you’re lactose intolerant, treat yourself to a refreshing drink so you can enjoy something together.)
She Deserves To Be Honored
Our friend deserves to be honored for her time on this earth and her journey through dementia. Our friend's time on earth was a precious gift to many, including us. She was not just a loving wife and mom, but also a vibrant kindergarten teacher, a devoted sister and daughter, and a beloved friend. She brought a special brightness into…
Enjoy Family Photos Together
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia Part 9: Enjoy family photos (and videos) together. The goal is to enjoy something interesting together, which does not mean this becomes an exercise in testing our loved one's memory. Instead, look at photos together to simply enjoy what each photo contains: pictures of pretty dresses, funny hairdos, nice colors,…
My Dad and Me: part 1
When I began learning The DAWN Method, I had no idea it would become so personal. As some of you may know, my dad is experiencing advancing dementia. In the past seven years, I have had the privilege of bringing DAWN Dementia Specialist Care, coaching, and training for families, communities, and professionals. Wow! What a privilege to bring the message…
The Art of Noticing
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia - Part 8: Noticing As we continue to explore options for creating sensory and social experiences for our loved ones experiencing dementia, let's get back to the art of noticing. If your loved one was a pilot or farmer, they probably have spent most of their lives noticing the clouds.…