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Articles by Debbie Selsavage

Working within your loved one’s reality!

By Debbie Selsavage | January 14, 2021 | 3 Comments

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 …

How do people with dementia learn?

By Debbie Selsavage | December 16, 2020 | 2 Comments

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 …

How Animatronics bring joy and comfort?

By Debbie Selsavage | November 11, 2020 | 2 Comments

“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 …

Simple therapies that trigger good feelings!

By Debbie Selsavage | October 28, 2020 | Comments Off on 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, …

Let’s not scare our care partners!

By Debbie Selsavage | October 14, 2020 | Comments Off on 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.

Watch Your Vitamin D!!!

By Debbie Selsavage | September 9, 2020 | Comments Off on 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 …

Because Loneliness and Isolation Kills!

By Debbie Selsavage | August 14, 2020 | Comments Off on 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, …

Gratitude in your journey, Why?

By Debbie Selsavage | July 15, 2020 | 1 Comment

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 …

Hurricane season brings special challenges

By Debbie Selsavage | June 24, 2020 | Comments Off on Hurricane season brings special challenges

Floridians understand how to prepare for seasonal bad weather, but for families living with dementia, hurricane season can present special challenges. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia …

The up-side of adversity

By Debbie Selsavage | June 1, 2020 | Comments Off on The up-side of adversity

Many years ago, I told someone I had a problem, and she said, “No, you have an opportunity.” I thought this was just a silly platitude, but over the years, …