Using nostalgia to keep people with dementia engaged
Keeping someone with dementia symptoms engaged can be a real challenge as their cognitive capabilities decline. This is especially true amid a pandemic that has limited the types of activities that can be done. Because we live in a world of wireless connections, it...
Tips for handling dementia-related hallucinations and delusions
Hallucinations and delusions can create a whole new challenge for caregivers; they can cause someone to lose touch with reality and, in turn, you may lose touch with them. Sometimes, they can become so severe that they can impact someone’s ability to carry out...
When dementia happens to marriage
The month of February is all about love – searching for love, celebrating love or, within our caregiving community, taking a loving approach to dementia care. A topic that is not discussed very often, but is so important to talk about is the way that relationships...
Third edition of ‘A Loving Approach to Dementia Care’ coming in March
Caregivers know that to care for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease means devotedly doing numerous little things each day for the person you’re caring for. While you are doing these things with love and patience, there is no manual that outlines the many...
Society’s perceptions and stigmas surrounding dementia
I was recently asked why I think it is so difficult to communicate the importance of Dementia Awareness, and how society perceives people with dementia. Unfortunately, most of society perceives dementia as only memory loss. This is a huge and dangerous mistake. Yes,...
Counseling for those who have a loved one experiencing dementia symptoms
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’ve begun to notice a loved one experiencing cognitive decline or behavior changes. Or, maybe you have decided that it’s time to seek out external assistance such as in-home help or placement in a long-term care community, but aren’t...
Changing dementia care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic has added a few more hurdles to the already-challenging lives of those caring for people living with dementia, including both individuals and larger residential facilities. Some of these include staff shortages, the inability to have large group trainings...
Sharing important COVID-19 information with people with dementia symptoms
Communicating with someone who is experiencing dementia symptoms comes with some big challenges because of the hurdles they experience while processing information. But, what about when that information could potentially be lifesaving and must be conveyed? This is a...
Tips for managing guilt as a caregiver
Feelings of guilt are common among dementia caregivers. Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease means you are doing a tough job, and one that comes with complex emotions, both positive and negative. Oftentimes, these negative emotions manifest as...
Staying connected with your loved ones during the holiday season
The holiday season is upon us, and many caregivers are facing the difficult challenge of finding ways to stay connected with their loved ones amidst the continued closures of care facilities. Even if in-person visits are not in the picture for your family this year,...
Feel-good stories to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month
The news headlines have been heavy and filled with sadness lately, so I thought I would share a few uplifting stories. November is National Family Caregivers Month and these are great reminders that, beyond the darkness, there is so much light to be found in caring...
Ways you can become Dementia Aware
Whether you are a professional who is caring for many, a family member who is caring a loved one with dementia symptoms, or a community member who interacts regularly with people living with dementia, you will benefit from becoming dementia aware. When we raise our...