My friend Lana is living with dementia. And she loves to tell me the stories of “way back when”. In fact, she’s like 100% of my companions with dementia…they love to tell stories from their deep past, usually from their youth and early adulthood. And I on purpose lead them to tell those stories, because it brings them joy. But…
Have a loved one in your family who is living with dementia and want to give them something meaningful for Christmas? Read on... Your time. Give them the gift of your time, to simply sit with them, let them share a favorite story from their life, and be well together.About that story of theirs....100% of our friends with dementia derive…
The holidays are upon us and for many it can be a time of mixed emotions. Family and festivities can bring no-so-festive feelings, stress, drama, outspoken uncle Joe. Gatherings that include a loved one living with dementia can add an additional layer of emotions - but it is up to us as caregivers and family members to create an environment…
What about that annoying tag in the back of your shirt? When was the last time you had an annoying tag in the back of your shirt? You probably didn't last long before you were looking for a pair of scissors to cut that tag right outta there, or asking someone to do it for you. The pokes and tickles…
37 1/2 years....I've been a runner longer than many of my kids' teachers have been alive. Throughout the unpredictable, the unexpected, the hard, the beautiful, the mundane, the richness of life. Running has been a thread that has seen me through what was hard as a kid, an impossible marriage, the early loss of my Mom and oldest brother. Running…
If you're reading this blog, you are interested in the why's and how's of caring better for people, particularly our folks with a few gray hairs. And I'm happy to give you some practical yet profound tips: 1. Toenails: I've seen too many long toenails on folks who can no longer care for their own toenails. Long toenails hurt. …
Kittens. Yes, kittens. Cute, cuddly, playful kittens. Small. Dependent. And yet, within those little bodies, they hold special powers. Powers to elicit conversation in those who rarely converse. Powers to calm tremors for those who usually shake. Powers to ease anxiety, loneliness, lack of meaning for those struggling to make peace with the aging process. Folks living in care communities…
When toenails are so long that people's feet hurt when they walk, we've not done our best. When teeth get brushed so rarely that a person's gums are red and sore, we've not provided the best care. When folks with dementia get treated with less than respect and kindness, we're not doing our best job of creating care that honors…
