Dementia creates such shocking changes in the ones we love, it is not surprising that we become fixated on the skills and abilities they are losing. Continue reading “Don’t dis your Loved One’s Abilities!”
Use simple therapies that trigger good feelings!
Medicine today is so driven by technology and pharmacology, we too often overlook the ways we can ease pain and improve quality of life through simple therapies based on love, compassion, respect, and dignity. Continue reading “Use simple therapies that trigger good feelings!”
Working within your loved one’s reality!
A delusion is a false belief that persists in spite of evidence to the contrary; an idea or object that is perceived incorrectly by the delusional person.
Dementia symptoms often include delusional thinking, meaning that the person with dementia may perceive things quite differently than they really are. Continue reading “Working within your loved one’s reality!”
How do people with dementia learn?
Dementia is progressive, irreversible, and ultimately fatal. It attacks all of our senses and abilities, but is best known as a disease that destroys our memory. Typically, it attacks short-term memory first, then begins to erode older memories. Continue reading “How do people with dementia learn?”
How Animatronics bring joy and comfort?
“Animatronics!” Wow, that’s a big word! But wait, don’t be intimidated. It’s simply a modern and high-tech version of something that has always worked so well for our loved ones living with dementia . . . Animal Therapy. Continue reading “How Animatronics bring joy and comfort?”
Simple therapies that trigger good feelings!
Medicine today is so driven by technology and pharmacology, we too often overlook the ways we can ease pain and improve quality of life through simple therapies based on love, compassion, respect, and dignity. Continue reading “Simple therapies that trigger good feelings!”
Let’s not scare our care partners!
Providing care for a loved one living with dementia is one of the most exhausting care partner tasks there is, because the disease is progressive and ultimately requires attention 24/7. Continue reading “Let’s not scare our care partners!”
Watch Your Vitamin D!!!
I have a friend who spent a 35-year career in a northern state, and each year struggled with seasonal depression, especially in the gray months of January and February. Once retired, he headed for sunny Florida. It was not just the cold and snow he was tired of. It was those sunless months when his spirits crashed. Continue reading “Watch Your Vitamin D!!!”
Because Loneliness and Isolation Kills!
A few years ago, I spoke with a hospice chaplain who said, “You know, I don’t believe people die from dementia. I believe people with dementia die from neglect, loneliness, and grief!” I will never forget those words because they so accurately describe the cruelty of this disease. Continue reading “Because Loneliness and Isolation Kills!”
Gratitude in your journey, Why?
Covid-19 has been tough on us this past several months. Isolation, fear of infection, and the confusing debate that has gone on over the scientific aspects of the virus are making us crazy! None of us is immune to the negative social impact of our situation, and especially not individuals living with dementia, their families, and their care partners. Continue reading “Gratitude in your journey, Why?”