Creating Rich Sensory and Social Experiences for Those Experiencing Dementia - Part 8: Noticing As we continue to explore options for creating sensory and social experiences for our loved ones experiencing dementia, let's get back to the art of noticing. If your loved one was a pilot or farmer, they probably have spent most of their lives noticing the clouds.…
Music has a unique way of connecting us, especially for those experiencing dementia. Play the music your loved one cherished in their youth or young adulthood. You’ll likely see them smile, tap their foot, or even sing along.
Books can be a delightful way to foster shared sensory and social experiences with your loved one experiencing dementia. Two ideas include shopping with your loved one at a bookstore or visiting your local library to browse books with topics you know they will enjoy!
Take a drive through the heart of your hometown while you point out the places you have memories with them. Maybe it is where you’ve enjoyed a meal, gone shopping, or shared a funny memory. Use this drive to reminisce with your loved one and also to point out the new and interesting changes happening in your hometown.
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…
Discovering beauty, interest, and meaning together with your companion experiencing dementia.
We are big believers in the dignity of risk because our older companions and those with dementia have taught and shown us that living fully includes risk, and every one of them is good with that truth.
We rarely see our clients experience sundowning. We believe it is because the tools of the DAWN Method taught us how to help their brains and hearts be full.
Caregiving can be challenging. I know this both professionally and personally.
Society may paint another picture, but spending time with people experiencing dementia is sacred work I get to do. The DAWN Method has taught me how to provide the right type of care in the right amounts.
