The DAWN Method taught us how to work with dementia; that when we honor and understand the life and rhythm and changing cognitive skills and changing emotional needs of someone experiencing dementia, we can avoid much of the stress and instead experience hope, beauty, and good.
Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke memories and emotions. Take your loved one to a candle shop and explore the various scents together. However, remember that some individuals with dementia may have lost their sense of smell. For those who have, focus on other sensory experiences.
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.
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.
At Better People Care, we encourage whimsy and pure fun, often inspired by the creativity of our caregivers. Try something spontaneous—go bowling, take a bike ride, or make it a tradition to get ice cream every week during the summer. (If you’re lactose intolerant, treat yourself to a refreshing drink so you can enjoy something together.)
Music has a unique way of connecting us, especially for those experiencing dementia. Play the music your loved one cherished in their youth or young adulthood. You’ll likely see them smile, tap their foot, or even sing along.
Take a drive through the heart of your hometown while you point out the places you have memories with them. Maybe it is where you’ve enjoyed a meal, gone shopping, or shared a funny memory. Use this drive to reminisce with your loved one and also to point out the new and interesting changes happening in your hometown.
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia Part 3: Life-Changing Experiences As you begin to share these rich and engaging experiences with your loved one, take note of how the experiences impact you as well. You might be surprised at the positive effects on your own mood and stress levels. Getting good at this is part of…
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.
We are big believers in the dignity of risk because our older companions and those with dementia have taught and shown us that living fully includes risk, and every one of them is good with that truth.
