Gone
Three months ago tonight, my dad drew his last breath. I was there. I saw it happen. And yet, three months later, I feel a bit of shock at the reality that my dad is gone.
Enjoying Photo Albums
One of the BEST things I've learned while working alongside my companions with dementia is how to adjust experiences so they can most enjoy them. Photo albums can be problematic because they are big and heavy, making them difficult for our friends to manage. Instead, get a few old photos loose and keep them on hand, which allows your companion…
Better Dementia Care: Insights and Advice From Expert Jill Couch
It was an honor to be on Jerry’s insightful and valuable show. You can listen to the show here. Here's what Jerry shared: "In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we sit down with Jill Couch, a dementia care specialist, DAWN Method trainer, and founder of Better People Care. Jill shares her personal journey into dementia care, sparked by her experiences…
“A Hundred Stories”
A Tribute To Our Friend It was 1962, and he and his wife were visiting Colorado from their home state of Kansas. “My brother-in-law and I were fishing from the bank up at Horsetooth Reservoir. I felt the tug on my line and began to reel in. When I saw the shadow in the water, I said, that can’t be…
Maximizing Safety At Home: Lights
As we conclude our series on maximizing safety and well-being in your loved ones home, check out these great lights! #safetyathome #maximizingsafety #aginginplace #dementiacare #betterpeoplecare #dementiatips https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6TNwBpuk4/
Giving Ourselves to Caregiving
I have had the flu twice in the six weeks since my dad drew his last breath. I rarely get sick. In both of these cases, I was really sick. I suspect my body is decompressing from the time I spent pouring myself into managing my dad’s care and caring for him. It seems that much of society would look at this…
My Dad: Reflections
My dad taught me how to run, and he taught me how to walk steady.He showed me what stamina and courage look like and that maybe it’s good to bow out every now and then.He showed me that it is okay to embrace second chances and that there is a reason there is an eraser at the end of a…
We Can’t Fix Everything
Every time I have the privilege of spending time with someone experiencing dementia and spending time with their family, I learn valuable lessons. Sometimes, what I learn teaches me that human needs don’t change just because someone’s cognitive skills change. Sometimes, I learn that every family has its complexities and particular dynamics, and as I provide coaching and training in…
Maximizing Safety and Well-Being: Quick Tip
As we continue this series, here is a quick and helpful tip to use with your companions if they struggle with using household items like the TV remote! https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyWYNLMuC_/
Maximizing Safety and Well-Being: Matching Style
As we continue on our series of maximizing safety and well-being, here is another tip. Our companions are adjusting to the reality of getting older, and we need to remember that as we make adaptation recommendations, they might not want their home to look clinical. I am a fan of adaptations that match their current style of living to keep…