the dawn method – Better People Care LLC

Gone

Three months ago tonight, my dad drew his last breath. I was there. I saw it happen. And yet, three months later, I feel a bit of shock at the reality that my dad is gone.

Maximizing Safety and Well-Being: Quick Tip

As we continue this series, here is a quick and helpful tip to use with your companions if they struggle with using household items like the TV remote! https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyWYNLMuC_/

Maximizing Safety and Well-Being: Additional Thoughts

We need to be mindful and respectful when making recommendations for change. Life comes with risk, and sometimes, that is okay if they are unwilling to make our recommended changes. We can do our best to maximize safety, but ultimately, we respect their version of quality of life. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGOtIm7xxyV/

Thank you, DAWN

I've been a DAWN Specialist for many years as I lead my team at Better People Care. Now, I am caring for my dad, who is experiencing advanced dementia. It is tough watching him fade as he approaches the end of life. We've had a peaceable journey thanks to the DAWN method, and I'm so grateful that it has been…

Someone Else’s Retirement

As the daughter of one of our companions said, “Everyone should have a chance to care for their parent; it can be beautiful and will change your life.”

Coming to Peace

I will never regret this time of caring for my dad. I know that.

Getting To Know My Dad

I remembered, “Oh yeah, he is responding positively to me joking with him and gently kidding him because that is how he so often related to me and my kids.” That was a fun revelation because now we smile and laugh when I act like him with my playful antics.

Smell: Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences Pt 13

Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke memories and emotions. Take your loved one to a candle shop and explore the various scents together. However, remember that some individuals with dementia may have lost their sense of smell. For those who have, focus on other sensory experiences.

Getting Ready

I am grateful for the privilege of watching my dad get ready. It hurts my heart, but I know that when his time comes, he will be ready to be done with this life.

Sharing Stories

It is a misunderstanding that we necessarily lose our loved ones to dementia before they die. We can keep a close, soul-to-soul relationship with our companions by memorizing their stories and being ready to share them back with them when they become unable to. Those stories often will include us as family and friends.