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…
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_/
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…
We need to be mindful and respectful when making recommendations for change. Life comes with risk, and sometimes, that is okay if they are unwilling to make our recommended changes. We can do our best to maximize safety, but ultimately, we respect their version of quality of life. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGOtIm7xxyV/
We are excited to share that Elisa, a certified DAWN Trainer, is offering an online class to teach the DAWN Method for Families. The classes will be held via Zoom and run for 8 weeks beginning March 6. They will be offered every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm MST. The DAWN Method is a mindful way of being and…
As we continue our series on maximizing safety and well-being to help our loved ones live at home longer, we're talking about bedroom safety. First, it is important that we tuck in the edge of the comforter so that there are no ends dragging on the floor - as that can increase the risk of falling. The second is the…
My dad drew his last breath a week and a half ago. If you have read this blog for a while, you have read that he was experiencing advancing dementia and I had the honor of managing his care and helping provide his care. My dad was one of the good ones. I’ll post more details following his memorial service…
We're doing a series on maximizing safety and well-being for your loved ones living at home. Today, we are talking about safety in the bathroom - the number one location of falls. In the video, I will talk about bathroom rugs, transfer bars, grab bars, and floor grippers. Check it out, and stay tuned for more safety tips to come!…
Continuing our series on Maximizing safety and well-being for our loved ones living at home. Today, we are focusing on stairs. As an occupational therapist, I believe that stairs are a great way to help our loved ones continue to get exercise and move in this unique way. We just have to make those stairs safe! Join our email list as…
Cameras are good for maximizing safety by monitoring for falls and your companion’s habits/rhythms. The one monitoring the app needs to commit to receiving notifications and be invested in the well-being of the loved one to respond when needed. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYu0bcRRy_/
