dementia – Page 5 – Better People Care LLC

Stories Preserve Memories

If your companions experiencing dementia repeat the same stories over and over, remember this:

Encouragement and a Challenge for Today’s Society.

We have the ability to make a difference by simply noticing, taking time for, and genuinely engaging with our companions who are older or those who are experiencing dementia.

Talking to our Friends with Dementia

If you spend time with an individual experiencing dementia, do not talk about dementia in front of them. It does not help their sense of self-respect or well-being.

Can Carbonated Beverages Prevent Choking?

A practical tip for you! Research shows us that carbonated beverages do a great job of triggering the swallow reflex. If your companion often chokes when drinking liquids, try a carbonated beverage and see if it helps prevent the choking. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzW62ugupjE/

Keeping it Simple

We don’t always have to come up with grand things to do with our companions who are experiencing dementia. Going somewhere as simple as the hardware store can create a rich place for sensory and social experiences. Even while some of their cognitive skills are diminishing, their brains still benefit from some stimulation! https://www.instagram.com/p/CzEjYg1OaS6/

Old Shoes

As an occupational therapist, I understand that when we change a shoe, we change the softness, height, etc, which changes the input the body receives through the foot.

Lessons in Preparing Dinner

I want to share this quick story on my recent experience preparing dinner with a companion with dementia! This companion may be experiencing cognitive change, but she can still maintain autonomy and independence in everyday tasks like cutting strawberries! https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cyn_HF2ulvm/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Privilege of Spending Time

Our companions feel secure regardless of their changing abilities when we can create a secure and safe environment.

Patterns in the Dementia Journey

Everyone enters into the dementia journey with their own history, personality, preferences, and habits. Yet, there is always a pattern with the skills that are lost and kept. There is a pattern with how this affects a person’s ability to meet their own needs. I learned this with the DAWN method. This has helped me know how to help those…

Can My Loved One Stay In Their Home?

This question is one anyone caring for a loved one with dementia will face. Often they will consider moving their loved one to a care facility. But, I'd caution that most of the time moving away from home is not a necessary initial response for individuals experiencing dementia or other cognitive and physical changes that come with age. I want…