dementia – Better People Care LLC

Someone Else’s Retirement

As the daughter of one of our companions said, “Everyone should have a chance to care for their parent; it can be beautiful and will change your life.”

Coming to Peace

I will never regret this time of caring for my dad. I know that.

Living most of my time in my dad’s community has allowed me to hear many stories about the impactful ways my dad has influenced and brought quiet leadership, encouragement, and service to others. I knew my dad was involved in various community groups, but I did not know he made such a difference. I am grateful to have had such…

Getting To Know My Dad

I remembered, “Oh yeah, he is responding positively to me joking with him and gently kidding him because that is how he so often related to me and my kids.” That was a fun revelation because now we smile and laugh when I act like him with my playful antics.

My Dad and Me: The rhythm in Dementia

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: Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences Pt 13

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.

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.

Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia pt 10: Embracing Whimsy and Fun

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.)

Sensory and Social Experiences: Music

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.