Getting Ready
I am grateful for the privilege of watching my dad get ready. It hurts my heart, but I know that when his time comes, he will be ready to be done with this life.
Surprises – My Dad and Me: Part 4
So this has surprised me: the fear and sadness that already grip my heart in waves as some part of me anticipates the day he draws his last breath.
Sharing Stories
It is a misunderstanding that we necessarily lose our loved ones to dementia before they die. We can keep a close, soul-to-soul relationship with our companions by memorizing their stories and being ready to share them back with them when they become unable to. Those stories often will include us as family and friends.
My Dad and Me: part 2
I was inspired to learn the DAWN Method because my heart suffered as I watched my dad’s mom, my beloved grandmother, go through her life-depleting journey to end-of-life without dementia specialist care.
The Art of Noticing
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia - Part 8: Noticing As we continue to explore options for creating sensory and social experiences for our loved ones experiencing dementia, let's get back to the art of noticing. If your loved one was a pilot or farmer, they probably have spent most of their lives noticing the clouds.…
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia
Creating the right activities for your loved one with dementia involves understanding their social preferences and incorporating sensory elements to enhance their experience. By doing so, you can help them lead a more fulfilling and engaging life.
The Challenge of Caregiving
Caregiving can be challenging. I know this both professionally and personally.
Sacred Work
Society may paint another picture, but spending time with people experiencing dementia is sacred work I get to do. The DAWN Method has taught me how to provide the right type of care in the right amounts.
Remembering Our Friend
He was dignified, intelligent, personable, and had an easy laugh. Yes, he was having a harder time remembering and doing some of the simple tasks of life that were once very easy. But with the right kind of dementia-understanding, dementia-supportive help (The DAWN Method), he retained his personality… dignity… intelligence… personable ways, and easy laugh. He enjoyed visiting and talking…
My Why
Did you know? It was my grandmother’s heartbreaking journey with dementia that inspired me to learn how to get care “right” through the DAWN method. As I walk through this journey with my dad, I am even more convinced about the importance of keeping people in their homes. This is often best for the individual and their family, and there…