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…
What about that annoying tag in the back of your shirt? When was the last time you had an annoying tag in the back of your shirt? You probably didn't last long before you were looking for a pair of scissors to cut that tag right outta there, or asking someone to do it for you. The pokes and tickles…
37 1/2 years....I've been a runner longer than many of my kids' teachers have been alive. Throughout the unpredictable, the unexpected, the hard, the beautiful, the mundane, the richness of life. Running has been a thread that has seen me through what was hard as a kid, an impossible marriage, the early loss of my Mom and oldest brother. Running…
If you're reading this blog, you are interested in the why's and how's of caring better for people, particularly our folks with a few gray hairs. And I'm happy to give you some practical yet profound tips: 1. Toenails: I've seen too many long toenails on folks who can no longer care for their own toenails. Long toenails hurt. …
Kittens. Yes, kittens. Cute, cuddly, playful kittens. Small. Dependent. And yet, within those little bodies, they hold special powers. Powers to elicit conversation in those who rarely converse. Powers to calm tremors for those who usually shake. Powers to ease anxiety, loneliness, lack of meaning for those struggling to make peace with the aging process. Folks living in care communities…
When toenails are so long that people's feet hurt when they walk, we've not done our best. When teeth get brushed so rarely that a person's gums are red and sore, we've not provided the best care. When folks with dementia get treated with less than respect and kindness, we're not doing our best job of creating care that honors…
