Surprises – My Dad and Me: Part 4
So this has surprised me: the fear and sadness that already grip my heart in waves as some part of me anticipates the day he draws his last breath.
The Joy of Laughter
Laughter is a powerful way to connect with your loved one. You might be surprised by how much they still understand—remember, they’re not losing intellect, just skill.
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…
Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia Pt. 2
Discovering beauty, interest, and meaning together with your companion experiencing dementia.
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.
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…
Thoughts On Attention Skills
If you’re loved one experiencing dementia is doing things like you see in the pictures above, please understand that they are not doing that to make your life more difficult.They have diminishing attention skills, and something else draws their attention away. Check out the video for more thoughts. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ZqhPeOTtG
My Pianist
This video was recorded 6 months before my friend drew her last breath. This is what it looks like when we allow people experiencing dementia to live in their own homes in a dementia, supportive environment. Listen, and be blessed. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6O-PSgupJf
Society’s View of Elders
Sharing a few thoughts about how our society approaches dementia and elderhood. The DAWN method taught me how to help honor these people and preserve their dignity and independence. I’d love to help you learn this too! https://www.instagram.com/p/C5q8G5iuat8
Family Members ≠ Unpaid Caregivers
Let’s stop the message that family members are “unpaid caregivers.” Caregiving is challenging, difficult, and hard, but it is also what families wish to do and find meaning in. Check out the video for more thoughts.