We called him Mr. Charming. Even in his last days, he would have moments where he would stop and compliment someone on their pretty sweater or nice shirt, with his sideways smile and attentive eyes. He loved to share stories about his days as a Colorado A&M University football player and his time with the National Forest Service. He was…
I knew that when I entered my friend’s door, I would need to sit, face her so that when she looked my way, our eyes would meet, and patiently and attentively listen. I knew that my response would have to feel to her as if I agreed with her negative comments about her son. She needed validation, empathy, and for…
His was a true Horatio Alger story. From the wilds of Wyoming as a child and youth, to the opportunities available in Northern Colorado, he embraced hard work and built something impressive. And yet, he was humble and kind. He became a leader and a man of service, donating time and resources to community causes he believed in. When we…
While I have many years of experience in providing DAWN Method Dementia Care, I am reminded again that I am not the expert when it comes to my companion's personal life/family! It is important that we listen well to our companions experiencing dementia and work with their family members to adjust what is needed to provide the best care and…
I never got to meet him. But I had the privilege of getting to know his wife and daughters as I coached them in The DAWN Method, and along his dementia journey. His family remained powerfully committed to him, his well-being, and his quality of life. Their journey was not easy, and it was impacted by his own difficult journey,…
She grew up in Philadelphia, the daughter of an Italian father and Irish mother. A capable, independent, and talented young woman. His United States Navy ship came into port in Philadelphia, and a friend introduced them. It wasn’t long before he asked her to write letters to him after his ship left port. They were later married and enjoyed decades…
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…
Sharing a few thoughts around falls & dementia. I'd love for you to take a listen as I share some observations & tips from my background as an Occupational Therapist! #falls #OccupationalTherapy #aging #dementiacare #dementiatips #dementiasupportive #eldersupportive #caregiver #risk #livingfully https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-mbo2PlTn/
To the outside world, I appear A-OK. And I really am okay. But what is going on inside is a sort of confusion, an unsettled frustration, as I try to reconcile the loss of my dad. In one regard, I fear grief because it is unpredictable and hits at random times. But most of me is just trying to relax…
If you’ve ever ridden the Fort Collins City Park train, you may have met our friend. We loved hearing her stories of how she taught the kids to remain seated for the whole ride, and raise their arms and wiggle their fingers when they went through the tunnel. We loved hearing about how she began helping kids have their birthday…
