This question is one anyone caring for a loved one with dementia will face. Often they will consider moving their loved one to a care facility. But, I'd caution that most of the time moving away from home is not a necessary initial response for individuals experiencing dementia or other cognitive and physical changes that come with age. I want…
Join us for Living Well With Dementia: a Half Day of Learning! A dementia diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty. Hopelessness, chaos, and exhaustion are often part of the journey. Yet when we know how to work with dementia, we can be proactive and preserve the well-being of both the person living with it and their companions. Join us for a…
I’ve recently had the privilege of spending time with a gentleman who loves to cook but is also experiencing Parkinson’s and dementia. As I think about a plan of care, I would want to focus on helping him continue to cook because it is something he greatly enjoys. There will be changes, and it will be my job to accommodate…
The DAWN Method taught me and what I’ve observed to be true is that when people don’t have enough care, they will show signs of distress in their homes. Revealing to us they need more care! If they have too much care or the incorrect type of care, we will see them refuse the care! People accept it when we…
Our companions with dementia have lost some significant cognitive skills, but we can set the environment up to accommodate those losses and support their strengths. For example, one of my companions has a very important cognitive strength that he gets to live out with our help. He gets to enjoy the beauty of his life and specifically his backyard and…
People who watch us interact with their loved ones can sometimes be surprised by how peaceful our interactions are. It looks peaceful because it is! The DAWN method taught us how to create a situation in which our companions feel safe and secure and in which we can bring well-being into their lives. If you want to learn more about…
I read the humorous quote above with my companion with dementia the other day. She has advanced dementia, yet we both laughed. In fact, she asked me to read it again, and we laughed a second time as well. I am well aware that my companion’s ability to understand words is changing. I am aware that her changing rational thinking…
There is hope in the dementia journey. Our companions with dementia can still have a good quality of life and wellbeing even as their cognitive skills change. Even as they experience dementia, there is an opportunity for hope, beauty, and many sweet times together. This is where the DAWN method makes all the difference. Reach out for more information! https://www.instagram.com/p/CrLe1H2AFMw/
Treating pain is important, especially for those experiencing dementia. As dementia progresses, they lose the ability to assess, interpret, and express their pain accurately. Instead, we might see this paid come out in other actions. It is never a bad idea to consider their pain and treat that pain as needed. Check out the video below! https://www.instagram.com/p/CqlRrgHgD6k/
Pressure isn’t helpful. This is a quick reminder to be gentle and sensitive when connecting with a spouse serving as the caregiver. Remember that if your loved one is experiencing dementia, they do not understand that they need help and most likely will not welcome this help. This is where caregiving by stealth is so important. Reach out for more…
