Gail Elliot
I often think of her beautiful smile, her joy when any of us walked into the room and the love she shared until the day she died.
07/25/2018 13:26 EDT
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If you are connected to the world of dementia care, the demands are many. In your quest to help others, are you taking time to care for yourself?
03/20/2018 12:31 EDT
The hallmark feature of dementia is memory loss. Supporting memory loss must therefore be a high priority in dementia care. This blog is about how we can use practical ideas such as using an agenda to...
10/17/2017 09:08 EDT
When you think about an evening with friends and family do you think about the "dine and dash" type of dining or the "sit, relax, chat and enjoy" type of dining experience? When you eat with family at...
09/08/2017 14:17 EDT
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If you are in the situation of caring for a loved one and have made a commitment to placing a loved one on a nursing home placement list, be prepared for the vast array of mixed emotions that might arise when you get that much awaited (or dreaded) call. While you may look forward to lightening the burden that has accompanied your caregiving commitments, you may also feel a deep loss, much like grief. This is normal.
06/08/2017 04:36 EDT
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As discussed in previous blogs, communicating with people who are living dementia can sometimes be difficult. I want to thank those of you who told us about the successes you have had with our resourc...
02/06/2017 12:15 EST
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The hustle and bustle of the holidays often brings people together. This can be a problem for those who are challenged by memory loss. While the person with dementia may recognize someone's face, they may struggle to remember the person's name. Nametags can help to address this frustration.
12/12/2016 08:01 EST
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Do you find it difficult to maintain a conversation with older adults who are living with dementia? Many people find that once they get past talking about the weather, how they slept that night or what they had to eat today, they struggle to find ways to stimulate conversation in a way that is meaningful, interesting and mutually rewarding.
11/28/2016 03:04 EST
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There are times when some people with dementia just want to talk about the frustrations they are experiencing in the moment. These people are in need of chatting about the circumstances related to where they believe they are now.
11/18/2016 10:42 EST
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The main reason we want to put chores, roles or tasks back into the world of those living with dementia is that each person needs to enjoy a life filled with meaning and purpose, regardless of physical and mental health. My favourite expression, which speaks to this, is "The purpose of life, is a life with purpose."
10/11/2016 01:21 EDT
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Shortly after my latest blog, entitled "I'm Engaged," I was delighted and honoured to receive an email from Dr. Laura Gitlin, Professor & Director of the Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Johns Hop...
09/09/2016 03:39 EDT
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Along with the diagnosis of dementia there often comes an expectation that abilities are diminished. The focus shifts to what this person can no longer do rather than focusing on the remaining abilities and what the person is still able to do.
08/23/2016 03:49 EDT
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Have you ever wondered why some people will acknowledge that they have dementia, yet others will clearly deny there is anything wrong? Why do some people argue with the diagnosis? Why do some people know they have dementia but refuse to tell anyone? Why do some discuss openly? Let's explore.
07/18/2016 02:32 EDT
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Personal Support Workers attend to the diverse needs of individuals who rely heavily on the help of others. They have a variety of roles including caring for a person's hygiene, making sure they are nourished, dressed, toileted, validated, comfortable and happy. Most importantly, PSWs may be the only human connection some individuals receive in a single day. Yet, while they are offering their valuable support, it can feel thankless when trying to bathe and clean an uncooperative incontinent person, soothe the irritable and feed the ungrateful who are not longer able to do things themselves.
04/26/2016 02:54 EDT
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The needs related to love; comfort and belonging are too often unmet in those living with dementia. A doll can provide comfort and an opportunity to nurture and love.
04/04/2016 12:03 EDT
Recognize that all behaviour has meaning. Many of the behaviours we see in dementia arise because a person's needs are left unmet. When you observe the behaviour, you need to figure out what it is te...
01/25/2016 03:30 EST
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It is important to correct the person with dementia when they say things that are not true - FALSE. The cardinal rule is "never argue with a person with dementia". A person with dementia is simply taking files from their memory bank that come from another place and time. They are sure they are telling the truth.
01/06/2016 12:03 EST
