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
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.
DAWN Method dementia supportive care is how we preserve the skill, ability, and, most importantly, well-being of folks experiencing dementia. DAWN dementia supportive care looks like us enjoying time with a person doing things that are meaningful and beautiful to them to bring personal sensory and social stimulation, and also tending to the practical and physical aspects of their life such…
When approaching a shower, I’d recommend:- Get the bathroom nice and warm for them.- Have multiple bath towels ready so that you can help them keep warm while drying off.- Additionally, it is easier to help dry off with a smaller hand towel vs a larger bath towel. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5RTpa5u1aq
Just like the child in the story, our companions with dementia would still feel the popping in their ears, but because of their changing cognitive skills, they may not be able to interpret what they are feeling correctly.
Recently, I spoke about the dignity of effort and I want to continue that conversation. There are certainly times when our companions will need our help. But HOW we step in to help is very important! We can still preserve their dignity while helping them. Check out the video for more on this. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4YUa8Hut0-/
Remember the concept of dignity of effort! Don’t be too quick to rush in if your companion who is older or has dementia is struggling to do something that was once easy for them. Allow them to use their own effort first. There is dignity to use one's own effort and ability to accomplish tasks. See the video for more:…
We had the privilege of living a bit of our lives alongside him, and we will miss those times. It was an honor to help him live well and finish well.
You see, just because someone's cognitive skills change due to dementia does not mean that they no longer enjoy humor. People enjoy laughing and sharing laughter with others. The issue is that they will need someone who knows how to draw them into enjoying humor, someone who understands that humor can bring smiles and laughs…for everyone.
Keeping track of the days of the week and the months of the year can be very important for some folks experiencing dementia. They might need our support in helping them feel like they are indeed keeping track.
