The Dementia-Friendly Movement has helped society be more aware, kind, and friendly to those living with cognitive change. In a personal setting, like family, we must progress this from dementia friendly to dementia supportive. Through the DAWN Method, I learned 6 tools to meet the emotional needs of people living with dementia. Using these skills we can create and manage…
This week I had the opportunity to chat with Lori La Bey from www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com. We talked about the DAWN method and the difference it is making for so many folks with dementia. If you missed the interview you can listen here! After the interview, I received a text from a friend and loyal follower of the work we are doing here. He…
An encouragement for those working in healthcare!🩺 My experience in spending time with companions with dementia has given me some insight. Here's my advice: 1. From the first moment of your encounter, smile, eye contact, and greet them well. 2. Don’t start by asking questions when meeting someone with dementia. Cognitive change makes those questions difficult for them, challenging the…
Anosognosia is the “lack of ability to perceive the reality of one’s own condition.” (Healthline.com; Tim Jewell; 2/27/2019). Because of this, people with dementia have some awareness that things in their lives are changing, but they have no idea how their cognitive changes are impairing their ability to do daily tasks. Check out the video below. May we learn how…
In today's video blog, we're talking about how to follow the lead of our companions with Dementia. If they wish to be involved in something, join them, but follow their lead in the pace of how they do these activities. Matching their pace allows us to show them they are not alone. We get to be the calm presence that…
Here are some tips regarding stairs. Stairs: stairs are our friend (when we make them safe!). Stairs are an important way for people with dementia to move their bodies in ways that help their hips and legs and arms remain stronger and more capable. But, we must make stairs safe.
If you have read my blog posts for a while, you know that I wonder, and I ponder sometimes. I wonder while I spend time with those living with dementia. I ponder about society and how we are doing with caring for our elders. I wonder about our society’s thoughts about life, living, end of life, and end of living.…
The DAWN method of dementia care takes into account that these folks have lived decades of independent lives. Therefore, we need to use caregiving by stealth which allows us to preserve their dignity, self-respect, and sense of control over their lives. Learn more in this video or reach out to Better People Care! https://www.instagram.com/p/CkqgBxPNe15/
A friend of ours passed from this life recently, but in the brief time we had the privilege of bringing dementia specialist care for him while bringing respite and relief for his wife, we took note of his life.
Dementia and Depression. A better way to care for our loved ones with dementia.
