Colorado State Senator Joann Ginal and a purr-ito named Cheese I wish I had a way to show everyone what happens when you put a kitten, wrapped in their soft blanket “purr-ito”, into the arms of a person with dementia. You see, when we bring appropriate sensory and social stimulation into the day’s experience of someone with dementia, we give…
In the 1980’s, the United States education system transitioned from the common practice of institutionalizing children with disabilities, to “mainstreaming” It seems that the goal was “inclusion”; helping children with disabilities be included and welcomed among fellow students who did not have disabilities, and helping students without disabilities become comfortable with kids with disabilities. I suppose that the idea was…
I am very grateful for the valuable life lessons shared with me in my young years. These childhood lessons that form character have a powerful impact, and build a foundation in our lives. Young hearts and minds are the perfect training ground to learn about generosity, respect for others, responsibility, honesty, compassion, the importance of good work and good play,…
I don’t have dementia. But I have the privilege of spending a lot of time with people who do. And if they had the ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings, my observation is they would tell us this: “Expect me to forget. In other words, please don’t react with disappointment or frustration or worry when I forget that I…
Here’s a quick list of ideas to make the dementia journey easier, to give care partners more tools at their disposal to make it through the process. Follow “thedawnmethod” on Instagram. Every day, there are a couple of posts that give very helpful tidbits of information to bring light to the dementia journey. If you are new on the dementia…
It’s no fun when our friends with dementia get upset and we aren’t able to help. No fun for them especially, and no fun for us. They might get upset because they’ve heard a loud noise, or because their toenails are too long and painful and someone puts on their shoes, or because they all of a sudden can no…
Dire Straits. Many will remember the British rock band by that name that became popular in the late 1970’s. Others will be familiar with the term “dire straits” and know not only that it means “extreme distress”, but also know what it feels like to be in dire straits. That level of distress is often what it takes for most…
Imagine, as the reader of this post, that you realize you need a few items from the grocery store for dinner. So you make a list, put on your coat, grab your wallet, the keys, and “Oh wait! I don’t drive anymore. Now let me think. How am I going to get to the grocery store now? Hmm. Well, I’ll…
Have a loved one in your family who is living with dementia and want to give them something meaningful for Christmas? Read on... Your time. Give them the gift of your time, to simply sit with them, let them share a favorite story from their life, and be well together.About that story of theirs....100% of our friends with dementia derive…
The holidays are upon us and for many it can be a time of mixed emotions. Family and festivities can bring no-so-festive feelings, stress, drama, outspoken uncle Joe. Gatherings that include a loved one living with dementia can add an additional layer of emotions - but it is up to us as caregivers and family members to create an environment…
