The DAWN method taught me that with dementia, 3 primary skills are being lost, and 3 primary skills are being kept. Knowing this helps us understand the way a person experiencing dementia behaves. Two examples of this are: Losing memory skills - which means they can reminisce well about the past, but lose connection with what just happened. Diminishing rational…
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…
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 your loved one with dementia appears depressed, please read on. If you feel frustrated because your loved one with dementia was once industrious and now seems lazy, please read on. If your loved one seems apathetic, and you just do not understand why they will not get up out of their chair, read on. I have observed that some…
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…
Check out today's video blog where I highlight how when we step into their lives with a list of things to accomplish, it can feel to them a bit like a tornado. Here's my recommendation on how we can care for them well! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl4sUIrAsLF/
Here are some tips regarding stairs. Stairs: stairs are our friend (when we make them safe!). Stairs are an important way for people with dementia to move their bodies in ways that help their hips and legs and arms remain stronger and more capable. But, we must make stairs safe.
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.…
Hope is the keyword in caregiving, and even through our own feelings, our highest purpose is to bring hope.
