The DAWN Method taught us how to work with dementia; that when we honor and understand the life and rhythm and changing cognitive skills and changing emotional needs of someone experiencing dementia, we can avoid much of the stress and instead experience hope, beauty, and good.
Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke memories and emotions. Take your loved one to a candle shop and explore the various scents together. However, remember that some individuals with dementia may have lost their sense of smell. For those who have, focus on other sensory experiences.
I am grateful for the privilege of watching my dad get ready. It hurts my heart, but I know that when his time comes, he will be ready to be done with this life.
So this has surprised me: the fear and sadness that already grip my heart in waves as some part of me anticipates the day he draws his last breath.
It is a misunderstanding that we necessarily lose our loved ones to dementia before they die. We can keep a close, soul-to-soul relationship with our companions by memorizing their stories and being ready to share them back with them when they become unable to. Those stories often will include us as family and friends.
I was inspired to learn the DAWN Method because my heart suffered as I watched my dad’s mom, my beloved grandmother, go through her life-depleting journey to end-of-life without dementia specialist care.
At Better People Care, we encourage whimsy and pure fun, often inspired by the creativity of our caregivers. Try something spontaneous—go bowling, take a bike ride, or make it a tradition to get ice cream every week during the summer. (If you’re lactose intolerant, treat yourself to a refreshing drink so you can enjoy something together.)
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia - Part 8: Noticing As we continue to explore options for creating sensory and social experiences for our loved ones experiencing dementia, let's get back to the art of noticing. If your loved one was a pilot or farmer, they probably have spent most of their lives noticing the clouds.…
Music has a unique way of connecting us, especially for those experiencing dementia. Play the music your loved one cherished in their youth or young adulthood. You’ll likely see them smile, tap their foot, or even sing along.
Books can be a delightful way to foster shared sensory and social experiences with your loved one experiencing dementia. Two ideas include shopping with your loved one at a bookstore or visiting your local library to browse books with topics you know they will enjoy!
