Our companions with dementia have lost some significant cognitive skills, but we can set the environment up to accommodate those losses and support their strengths. For example, one of my companions has a very important cognitive strength that he gets to live out with our help. He gets to enjoy the beauty of his life and specifically his backyard and…
A quick story about how what I learned with the DAWN method has helped me better understand the actions of my companions with dementia. What I have learned allows me to suggest things that improve their quality of life and adapt to their changing cognitive state. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctjqva5gNZl/
The DAWN method taught me the sacred balance between safety and selfhood. I am so grateful to Judy Cornish and all that I have learned. In my experience with my companions with dementia, I have learned first-hand that full-time care is not always the answer. I have seen how the right care, in the right amounts, at the right time,…
People who watch us interact with their loved ones can sometimes be surprised by how peaceful our interactions are. It looks peaceful because it is! The DAWN method taught us how to create a situation in which our companions feel safe and secure and in which we can bring well-being into their lives. If you want to learn more about…
Our companions experiencing dementia teach us so much, and we are grateful. Click on the link below for a glimpse into the beauty of the work we at Better People Care are privileged to do; using the tools of The DAWN Method to make the dementia journey ok. https://youtu.be/39LJ2AqE7RQ
There is hope in the dementia journey. Our companions with dementia can still have a good quality of life and wellbeing even as their cognitive skills change. Even as they experience dementia, there is an opportunity for hope, beauty, and many sweet times together. This is where the DAWN method makes all the difference. Reach out for more information! https://www.instagram.com/p/CrLe1H2AFMw/
Sharing a quick personal story with you today! When visiting with our folks with dementia if we listen well for common phrases they say and use them back with them it resonates. We can memorize the rhythm of what they say and use it back with them to create deeper relationships and intimacy! https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvQFB0tWty/
Pressure isn’t helpful. This is a quick reminder to be gentle and sensitive when connecting with a spouse serving as the caregiver. Remember that if your loved one is experiencing dementia, they do not understand that they need help and most likely will not welcome this help. This is where caregiving by stealth is so important. Reach out for more…
In a conversation with a client’s daughter, she brought up the idea that this type of care really is using more of an offensive approach vs a defensive approach. I loved that analogy. Dementia has its own way, so we can not control the environment, but we can manage it. We can manage the environment in a dementia-supportive way so…
Adult children caregivers - tread lightly and sensitively! You only enter their lives as a caregiver when it is obvious that they need your help. But you are entering into a life they have lived independently for decades. We need to be cognizant of the routines & patterns they have and honor that sense of autonomy. We can care for…
