We preach preparedness. We had prepared for the moment. It still hurts – a lot. There’s really nothing to be done about that. It’s a process. The only way out is through. Brian and I worked for years to help elders and their care partners prepare for each step of the journey. But as my […]
I know this part of the journey well because I’ve walked it myself for decades and in several different capacities. Step 3 of life-care planning calls upon the care recipient to honor those who give selflessly on their behalf: care partners and the entire care-partner team. In recent months, we’ve been diving into the life-care […]
I’m thrilled to extend a warm invitation to embark on a journey of compassion – amplified by empowerment through preparation. I recently dusted off a document I use with all of my life-care planning clients here at Caregiver Support and Resources, LLC in Clearwater, FL. It’s called “Because I Love You: My Book About Me.” […]
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 […]
I get this question a lot: “How long can a dying loved one be in hospice care?” Unfortunately, I don’t get this question early enough in the life-care planning process from many Patient Advocacy clients. (Although, in my experience, I always try to find a way to bring it up tactfully as a necessary discussion.) […]
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 […]
