He was dignified, intelligent, personable, and had an easy laugh. Yes, he was having a harder time remembering and doing some of the simple tasks of life that were once very easy. But with the right kind of dementia-understanding, dementia-supportive help (The DAWN Method), he retained his personality… dignity… intelligence… personable ways, and easy laugh. He enjoyed visiting and talking…
If you’re loved one experiencing dementia is doing things like you see in the pictures above, please understand that they are not doing that to make your life more difficult.They have diminishing attention skills, and something else draws their attention away. Check out the video for more thoughts. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ZqhPeOTtG
when we get care right — the right type, the right amounts, at the right time — people, even those experiencing advanced dementia, can often live well in their own homes.
Sharing a few thoughts about how our society approaches dementia and elderhood. The DAWN method taught me how to help honor these people and preserve their dignity and independence. I’d love to help you learn this too! https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q8G5iuat8
Let’s stop the message that family members are “unpaid caregivers.” Caregiving is challenging, difficult, and hard, but it is also what families wish to do and find meaning in. Check out the video for more thoughts.
When approaching a shower, I’d recommend:- Get the bathroom nice and warm for them.- Have multiple bath towels ready so that you can help them keep warm while drying off.- Additionally, it is easier to help dry off with a smaller hand towel vs a larger bath towel. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5RTpa5u1aq
Just like the child in the story, our companions with dementia would still feel the popping in their ears, but because of their changing cognitive skills, they may not be able to interpret what they are feeling correctly.
She served in the U.S. military before it was cool for women to serve in the military. She chose to be a vegetarian before that trend became trendy. She held onto her vibrant personality, zest for life, and active lifestyle as long as she could. She was known to hula hoop, just a few months before she drew her last…
Recently, I spoke about the dignity of effort and I want to continue that conversation. There are certainly times when our companions will need our help. But HOW we step in to help is very important! We can still preserve their dignity while helping them. Check out the video for more on this. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4YUa8Hut0-/
Origins healthcare providers are professional, prompt, relate well to our companions, and clearly understand excellence in healthcare. What a gift.
