The best gift we can give our companions with dementia is time, especially in conversations. When speaking with a companion experiencing dementia, don’t rush to fill the open space. Instead, be patient, watch them, and give them time to respond. Watch for a flicker of understanding that lets you know they are thinking and avoid the tendency to fill the…
The Dementia-Friendly Movement has helped society be more aware, kind, and friendly to those living with cognitive change. In a personal setting, like family, we must progress this from dementia friendly to dementia supportive. Through the DAWN Method, I learned 6 tools to meet the emotional needs of people living with dementia. Using these skills we can create and manage…
In a recent conversation with a husband whose wife is suffering from dementia, he remarked that she only wants to sit and watch TV anymore. I shared that my training through the DAWN method has helped me understand the reason behind these behaviors and how we can better meet the emotional needs of those living with dementia. Through these tools,…
This week I had the opportunity to chat with Lori La Bey from www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com. We talked about the DAWN method and the difference it is making for so many folks with dementia. If you missed the interview you can listen here! After the interview, I received a text from a friend and loyal follower of the work we are doing here. He…
An encouragement for those working in healthcare!🩺 My experience in spending time with companions with dementia has given me some insight. Here's my advice: 1. From the first moment of your encounter, smile, eye contact, and greet them well. 2. Don’t start by asking questions when meeting someone with dementia. Cognitive change makes those questions difficult for them, challenging the…
Anosognosia is the “lack of ability to perceive the reality of one’s own condition.” (Healthline.com; Tim Jewell; 2/27/2019). Because of this, people with dementia have some awareness that things in their lives are changing, but they have no idea how their cognitive changes are impairing their ability to do daily tasks. Check out the video below. May we learn how…
In December I shared a blog on long-term care insurance, you can read that here. In continuing the conversation with an individual, we discussed how benefits can pay well but only if the person moves into a facility. Long-term care benefits do not pay well when someone remains in their home. But research shows us these people want to remain…
Why do I talk at a slower pace? The pace at which we talk to our companions with dementia matters. It is important to make good eye contact, speak slowly and clearly, speak loudly enough that they can hear you, and articulate well! Don’t forget the impact a gentle smile can have. 😀 They have not lost intellect, they just…
How did we learn to get it right? How did we learn to bring more comfort, peace, and beauty in dealing with Dementia? The DAWN Method. DAWN stands for the Dementia and Altimeter's Wellbeing Network. Check out this video to learn more! Resource mentioned: Caring for loved ones with dementia at home - the dementia roadmap. https://www.instagram.com/p/CmrtVUhjZFr/
If your loved one with dementia appears depressed, please read on. If you feel frustrated because your loved one with dementia was once industrious and now seems lazy, please read on. If your loved one seems apathetic, and you just do not understand why they will not get up out of their chair, read on. I have observed that some…
