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Articles by Debbie Selsavage

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, …

Covid-19 has changed the conversation

By Debbie Selsavage | June 1, 2020 | Comments Off on Covid-19 has changed the conversation

When social distancing began in response to Covid-19, I, and other dementia practitioners, could no longer facilitate support groups for the care partners of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other …

As a Care-giver-Going to their world

By Debbie Selsavage | February 23, 2020 | Comments Off on As a Care-giver-Going to their world

I often hear caregivers express anger, frustration, or sadness that their loved one living with dementia seems to be in another world. They may believe they are living in another …

Using Validation, not Correction

By Debbie Selsavage | February 10, 2020 | Comments Off on Using Validation, not Correction

Our natural reaction is to correct a person with dementia when they say something that is wrong. This is what we do with children. We immediately correct them because this …

Citrus County gets WISE

By Debbie Selsavage | November 11, 2019 | Comments Off on Citrus County gets WISE

Last year, the Citrus County Board of Commissioners took action to improve mental health services by retaining LifeStream, an organization that has provided treatment, education, care management, rehabilitation, and homeless …

Dementia and Firearms Safety

By Debbie Selsavage | November 11, 2019 | Comments Off on Dementia and Firearms Safety

You would be surprised how often I hear from concerned caregivers for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia who have in their home open access to …

Doula: Spiritual support at end of life

By Debbie Selsavage | August 16, 2019 | Comments Off on Doula: Spiritual support at end of life

The most undeniable fact of life is that it will end. However, too often families and caregivers go to extraordinary lengths to avoid end-of-life planning until it is too late. …

Beware bogus brain boosters!

By Debbie Selsavage | August 16, 2019 | Comments Off on Beware bogus brain boosters!

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, one in four over the age of 50 takes a brain supplement, despite the fact that they are likely only flushing their …

Keeping Our Loved Ones Safe

By Debbie Selsavage | August 16, 2019 | Comments Off on Keeping Our Loved Ones Safe

When we raised children, their safety was first and foremost. Later, when we are caring for a loved one with dementia, we may pay less attention to their safety because …