(This article was first posted in the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners’ newsletter, November 2020 edition.) My background and how the DAWN Method of dementia care began Mom keeps losing her car so we’re going to have to put her in a care facility. She can’t live alone anymore.” Those words caught my attention. ‘Mom’ was … Read more
There are ways to live with dementia happily. The love of music, the appreciation of beauty, the warmth and love of others. Take a minute to enjoy our animated video. There really is good news about dementia.
What to do when a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t make sense Family members often ask me this question. Trying to talk with someone who is not making sense makes us very uncomfortable. There are two primary reasons for why a loved one who is experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s might say something nonsensical. An … Read more
How you can support someone living with dementia In 2017 the New York Times ran three articles on Alzheimer’s and dementia. The central piece, “Fraying at the Edges: Her Fight to Live with Alzheimer’s” is a lengthy word and video essay about a woman’s experiences in being diagnosed with MCI and then Alzheimer’s, and beginning … Read more
As dementia awareness grows, there are many more podcasts for dementia and Alzheimer’s caregivers. If you are caring for someone with dementia at home, listening to a dementia podcast can be a way to connect with other dementia caregivers traveling the same journey and get tips on how to best walk this challenging path. Judy … Read more
You may not have thought about the difference between treatment and care. They are not synonyms, they’re opposites. Both have their place in our lives, but the goal of care is to enhance comfort, while the goal of treatment is to prolong life and regain health. When someone is experiencing a condition that cannot be … Read more
Why does he think I’m someone else? When a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia stops recognizing us, or responds to us as if we are someone else, it can be both disconcerting and hurtful. However, it’s important that we understand what could cause our loved one to believe we are someone else. When we … Read more
Manifesto for Dementia with Dignity This is a manifesto for my book, Dementia With Dignity. It explains what it is like to experience dementia. It’s important that we keep in mind that dementia is a condition, one that is progressive and that we cannot cure with medications. Please take some time to consider each statement … Read more