How Dementia Heals Us

There is hope, and there is beauty in dementia.  Turns out there is also healing.  Don’t stop reading now because you do not believe me.  I’ll try to explain how in the world I could be saying that something as unordinary as dementia could heal us. If you’re still reading, please stop what you are doing and listen to this:…

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Toenails, Teeth, and Ears, Oh My!

I am a big fan of comfort care once someone with dementia is needing regular support, supervision, and guidance.  I see a lot of folks with advanced dementia being put through doctor’s appointments, procedures, tests, that they are no longer able to understand and that bring considerable discomfort to their days.   I teach families that we should use the concept…

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Our Indomitable Friend

We said our final goodbyes last Tuesday to our friend Terry.  Our indomitable friend, who said the night before she breathed her last, “I think I’m getting stronger, girls”, as we worked to get her comfortable in her bed. Just eight days before she passed away, we were out and about in the community, doing the things that mattered to…

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A Personal Note to Caregivers

Dear caregivers, We do not claim to fully understand your each and every day.  We have a sense that your work as a caregiver is possibly the most demanding work you have ever done, work that involves layer upon layer of emotion.   But we see you, and we hear you. We do our best to bring you hope; hope that…

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“Anosognosia”: A Big Word That Makes a Big Difference in Dementia

I first learned the term “anosognosia” (pronounced uh-naa-suh-now-zhuh) when I was studying the DAWN Method.  It made an immediate difference in the way I viewed folks living with dementia, and the care that I provided for them. Anosognosia is the “lack of ability to perceive the reality of one’s own condition.”  (Healthline.com; Tim Jewell; 2/27/2019). As described in the article…

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Setting The Stage For A Good Mood

When our loved ones have dementia, we set the stage for positive mood, and we manage mood. Mood management is the first tool in the DAWN Method....for good reason.   Here are 10 tips to help get your interactions with your loved ones off on the right "mood" foot: 1.  When you step onto your loved one's doorstep, take a deep…

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