In our years of bringing her DAWN Dementia Specialist care, we skillfully and respectfully built the right kind of care, care that she would accept and come to value. It was a process, as anosognosia required delicate skill while we worked to preserve her strong sense of independence and autonomy.
It was our honor to know her. To support her and her family. To bring care that allowed her to remain in her own home, to draw her last breath in her home, surrounded by her family.
This holds true for people experiencing dementia as well. Much more than a solution for whatever might be causing them stress, people need empathy and someone willing to be with them. ♥️
We recently have had the privilege of walking through end-of-life care with several of our companions. I have been reminded of how different the end-of-life journey is when someone is experiencing dementia. With dementia, they do not necessarily have the cognitive ability to advocate for themselves as their ability to understand how they are feeling and what to do about…
What do you get for Christmas for someone experiencing dementia? Let me provide a few ideas.
If your companions experiencing dementia repeat the same stories over and over, remember this:
We have the ability to make a difference by simply noticing, taking time for, and genuinely engaging with our companions who are older or those who are experiencing dementia.
The DAWN Method taught me how to work with the changing cognitive skills of my companions with dementia. This method allows me to create a relaxing environment for both of us. One of my biggest takeaways is to slow down and meet their pace. Listen to the video for more! https://www.instagram.com/p/C0MymNtOMVV/
If you spend time with an individual experiencing dementia, do not talk about dementia in front of them. It does not help their sense of self-respect or well-being.
A practical tip for you! Research shows us that carbonated beverages do a great job of triggering the swallow reflex. If your companion often chokes when drinking liquids, try a carbonated beverage and see if it helps prevent the choking. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzW62ugupjE/
