dementia – Page 6 – Better People Care LLC

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…

A Recent Strength-Based Care Story

I’ve recently had the privilege of spending time with a gentleman who loves to cook but is also experiencing Parkinson’s and dementia. As I think about a plan of care, I would want to focus on helping him continue to cook because it is something he greatly enjoys. There will be changes, and it will be my job to accommodate…

Weight Loss with Aging & Dementia

It is a topic that brings a lot of concern. Sometimes, the individual is still healthy, eating good meals, and taking care of themselves, but losing weight. This can be a natural part of dementia/aging for some people, becoming less interested in food and filling up more quickly. Listen to the video for more! Additionally, check out this great article…

How do we know what the right amount of care is?

The DAWN Method taught me and what I’ve observed to be true is that when people don’t have enough care, they will show signs of distress in their homes. Revealing to us they need more care! If they have too much care or the incorrect type of care, we will see them refuse the care! People accept it when we…

Strength-Based Care

Our companions with dementia have lost some significant cognitive skills, but we can set the environment up to accommodate those losses and support their strengths. For example, one of my companions has a very important cognitive strength that he gets to live out with our help. He gets to enjoy the beauty of his life and specifically his backyard and…

Adapting to Changes

A quick story about how what I learned with the DAWN method has helped me better understand the actions of my companions with dementia. What I have learned allows me to suggest things that improve their quality of life and adapt to their changing cognitive state. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctjqva5gNZl/

Preserving Dignity

The DAWN method taught me the sacred balance between safety and selfhood. I am so grateful to Judy Cornish and all that I have learned. In my experience with my companions with dementia, I have learned first-hand that full-time care is not always the answer. I have seen how the right care, in the right amounts, at the right time,…

A Word to Medical Providers

Pause before you recommend a level of care for people living in their own homes or recommend a care facility. The reality of how someone functions in their own home may not always be clear in your short interaction. The DAWN method is a functional way to assess a person’s need for care and what level of care they need.…