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…
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…
Why do I talk at a slower pace? The pace at which we talk to our companions with dementia matters. It is important to make good eye contact, speak slowly and clearly, speak loudly enough that they can hear you, and articulate well! Don’t forget the impact a gentle smile can have. 😀 They have not lost intellect, they just…
If you own an insurance company or are an insurance agent, and differ with my assessment of long-term care (LTC) insurance, I welcome a conversation. If you are an adult considering purchasing long-term care insurance, please reconsider. I’ll explain my reasons why in a bit. But most importantly, if you are a caregiver for a loved one who once did…
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.
we focus on relating in a dementia-supportive way, on meeting their emotional needs using the tools of the DAWN Method, which means that folks get the real help they need, but in a way that does not undermine their dignity, autonomy, or self-respect.
Some people enter our lives and leave impressions that will remain. Sally was like that. She loved life. She loved people. She loved animals, yoga, walking, music, art, and color. She especially loved her precious family and her lifelong friends. My team and I had the privilege of knowing her in her final years when dementia made care and support…
