Farewell To Our Friend
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.
Creating A Relaxing Environment
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/
Can Carbonated Beverages Prevent Choking?
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/
Lessons in Preparing Dinner
I want to share this quick story on my recent experience preparing dinner with a companion with dementia! This companion may be experiencing cognitive change, but she can still maintain autonomy and independence in everyday tasks like cutting strawberries! https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cyn_HF2ulvm/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Grateful for our Freedoms
A message of gratitude for our freedoms as we stand with those who are suffering in other countries. 💙
Can My Loved One Stay In Their Home?
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…
A Recent Strength-Based Care Story
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…
A Personal Dementia Story
Sharing my personal perspective today. My dad has dementia, but because I have set up a dementia-supportive and understanding environment, he will always know who I am. He has learned by experience that when I show up, he can trust me and share happy times. The DAWN method has created this safe space for us to share time together despite…
How do we know what the right amount of care is?
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…
Adapting to Changes
A quick story about how what I learned with the DAWN method has helped me better understand the actions of my companions with dementia. What I have learned allows me to suggest things that improve their quality of life and adapt to their changing cognitive state. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctjqva5gNZl/