Among the many challenges dementia caregivers face, assisting with eating is a difficult and sensitive aspect. It demands a soft touch. A person-centered approach, if you will. We’ll always advocate for person-focused care, regardless of your loved one’s condition – but ESPECIALLY when it comes to eating assistance in late-stage dementia. They won’t eat. If […]
In end-stage dementia, pain often wears a cloak of invisibility, sometimes even to the trained eye. Last month, we discussed how your loved one may be “here, but not here.” Naturally, with those dual realities come communication issues and confusion. Dementia care pain management touches the core of compassionate caregiving. Unfortunately, care partners are often […]
Let’s explore a facet of dementia care that often leaves caregivers with conflicting emotions: the co-existence of presence and absence. Dementia is a reality where two diametrically opposed things can be true – he’s there, but he’s not there. I’ve heard that so many times as a Board-certified Patient Advocate. “Mom’s there” or “Dad’s there,” […]
A few years ago, I wrote a series of blogs here about common Alzheimer’s and dementia behaviors. It was well-received by our readership and We Are Dementia Strong podcast listeners. The behaviors and symptoms included things like: I’m here today to help navigate what could be an uncomfortable topic: lying. In recent months, I’ve learned […]
We’ve certainly discussed person-centered care before. Also known as person-focused care, it’s a care philosophy that empowers the individual(s) at the center of the treatment and compassion required in the aging process. That is, your loved one – in good health or bad. Person-centered care for dementia is particularly important due to the regressive and […]
My Brian’s eyes would play tricks with him when was still living at home in earlier stages of his Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Especially at night. The shadows cast from the moonlight out our window over Tampa Bay, which normally looked so peaceful, caused hallucinations and paranoia and led to many sleepless nights. Dementia care […]
A gentleman comes to church on Sunday. He is unsure where to sit. He doesn’t recognize anyone. And he can’t recall the pastor’s name. No, he isn’t a newcomer to the church. Far from it. A local businessman for more than 40 years, he has headed up several church committees over the years. He may […]
A photograph is a memory captured. It can be printed, kept in digital form, hung on a wall, shown off, gifted, and enjoyed immediately and repeatedly. You can see how important pictures are in memory care for dementia. They capture memories to be used when your loved one’s brain gradually loses the ability to retain […]
In our extremely high-tech society, it’s no surprise tech products, gadgets, software, etc. play a role in almost everything we do – even increasingly for those of us getting up in age. Managed and planned correctly, technology can be especially helpful to people living with dementia. (And like anything else in life, if it’s managed […]
By Brian LeBlanc Today we’re doing a little happy dance because we’re talking about the joy of dementia. Yup, you read us right (and you can hear us right on this very topic in our latest podcast). Maureen and I have been on this joy of dementia kick since returning from the Pioneering a New […]
