In Memory of Sally
Our companions experiencing dementia teach us so much, and we are grateful. Click on the link below for a glimpse into the beauty of the work we at Better People Care are privileged to do; using the tools of The DAWN Method to make the dementia journey ok. https://youtu.be/39LJ2AqE7RQ
Creating Deeper Relationships
Sharing a quick personal story with you today! When visiting with our folks with dementia if we listen well for common phrases they say and use them back with them it resonates. We can memorize the rhythm of what they say and use it back with them to create deeper relationships and intimacy! https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvQFB0tWty/
Treating Pain
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/
Our Dear Sweet Dorothy
Today we remembered our dear sweet Dorothy at the Catholic Mass and Memorial service that she planned herself. Today, we remembered her for the kind, loving, and the little-bit-of-fire lady that she was. Dorothy was ninety-nine and a half years old. She did not have dementia. In fact, she largely cared for her own needs until she became ill with…
The Offensive vs Defensive Approach
In a conversation with a client’s daughter, she brought up the idea that this type of care really is using more of an offensive approach vs a defensive approach. I loved that analogy. Dementia has its own way, so we can not control the environment, but we can manage it. We can manage the environment in a dementia-supportive way so…
Why what we say matters.
When spending time with one of my companions experiencing dementia, it matters how I communicate with them. They are losing contact with the recent past as their memory skills are changing. So when preparing my greeting, I thought about how I could stay in the "moment of now." For example, she will not remember the weather over the past few…
Enjoy Your Mom, Joe
My friend Joe called me a few weeks ago. He was on the way to his mom’s home in another state; on his way to sort through the long list of things he needed to do on her behalf, as her Power of Attorney and devoted son. He was calling to say thank you; thank you for encouraging him months…
The Moment of Now
The DAWN method taught me that with dementia, 3 primary skills are being lost, and 3 primary skills are being kept. Knowing this helps us understand the way a person experiencing dementia behaves. Two examples of this are: Losing memory skills - which means they can reminisce well about the past, but lose connection with what just happened. Diminishing rational…
The Gift of Time
The best gift we can give our companions with dementia is time, especially in conversations. When speaking with a companion experiencing dementia, don’t rush to fill the open space. Instead, be patient, watch them, and give them time to respond. Watch for a flicker of understanding that lets you know they are thinking and avoid the tendency to fill the…