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/
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,…
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.…
“Thank you for your service, Sir.” He served in the United States Army, as a Field Artillery soldier. And he served for decades in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, helping preserve wildlife and wild lands for people to enjoy for generations to come. In his later years, he took up painting and was good at it, too. He continued riding…
People who watch us interact with their loved ones can sometimes be surprised by how peaceful our interactions are. It looks peaceful because it is! The DAWN method taught us how to create a situation in which our companions feel safe and secure and in which we can bring well-being into their lives. If you want to learn more about…
She grew up in the North. The great Midwest, to be exact, but when her husband and kids settled in her husband’s native state of Louisiana, she embraced the genteel and gracious ways of the South. Her home felt like walking into a Southern Living magazine and caused you to enjoy a deep breath of peaceful style. She was a…
Consider the perspective of your parent who is the spouse-caregiver. This season of providing care may be a very meaningful time for them. When it is over, they are going o miss their spouse, and may even wonder what will come next. Allow them the value of serving in this way. https://www.instagram.com/p/Csrcvj9AynV/
I read the humorous quote above with my companion with dementia the other day. She has advanced dementia, yet we both laughed. In fact, she asked me to read it again, and we laughed a second time as well. I am well aware that my companion’s ability to understand words is changing. I am aware that her changing rational thinking…
The DAWN method taught me that folks living with dementia will benefit from feeling a sense of love, admiration, and respect. But in the same way, caregiver spouses need this too! Pushing a caregiver spouse toward what we believe they need doesn’t work - instead, we need to show them love, admiration, and respect. We need to give them the…
