A Mom and Her Girls

A Tribute To A Mom Whom Her Daughters Adored In this story of tribute, the story highlights the efforts of two girls, the daughters of a beloved mother who was experiencing Lewy body disease and all that this reality brought. You see, her two daughters devoted the last several years to caring for their mom. First, living in the home…

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Her Special Love

She grew up in Philadelphia, the daughter of an Italian father and Irish mother.  A capable, independent, and talented young woman. His United States Navy ship came into port in Philadelphia, and a friend introduced them.  It wasn’t long before he asked her to write letters to him after his ship left port.  They were later married and enjoyed decades…

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Grief

To the outside world, I appear A-OK.  And I really am okay.  But what is going on inside is a sort of confusion, an unsettled frustration, as I try to reconcile the loss of my dad. In one regard, I fear grief because it is unpredictable and hits at random times.  But most of me is just trying to relax…

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Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia Pt. 3

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…

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Our Brave Friend

When I heard our friend had breathed her last breath, the first words that came to my mind were, “She was brave.”  I have never before described one of my companions experiencing dementia as “brave,” though all of them have been.

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My Why

Did you know? It was my grandmother’s heartbreaking journey with dementia that inspired me to learn how to get care “right” through the DAWN method.  As I walk through this journey with my dad, I am even more convinced about the importance of keeping people in their homes. This is often best for the individual and their family, and there…

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