Dementia Can Open the Door to Artistic Expression
The treatment of people with dementia has changed dramatically since I first became personally involved with the disease. It’s now widely recognized that while...
Dementia care
Loving Yourself: A Caregiver’s Ultimate Challenge
We’ve all heard that we must first learn to love ourselves before we can love others. Yet, many of us have grown up with...
Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different
Most of us who are family caregivers know that, while we often experience a sense of fulfillment when we provide care for our loved...
Oral Care Strategies for Older Adults
As the years go by, most of us find that our teeth require an increasing amount of care. A cracked tooth here, a root...
Kitchen Safety Concerns for People with Dementia
Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more...
Tips for Coaxing Someone with Dementia to Shower or Bathe
Dear Carol: How do people get a parent with dementia to take a shower or bath? I’ve argued with my mom. I’ve coaxed her....
Why Some Family Caregivers Refuse Help
Even when family caregivers have access to help, many still come up with excuses to turn down assistance. Learning to accept support and assistance...
How to Be a True Friend to a Family Caregiver
Family caregivers often find that their social circles shrink over time. Casual friends are typically the first to drift away because a caregiver is...
Home is All About Heart, Especially for Older Adults
For many of us, the word “home” signifies refuge, safety, caring and warmth –a sanctuary where we belong. It’s a place that we know...
Is Using Validation for Dementia Calming or Condescending?
People with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia often come to live in an altered reality that doesn’t mesh with ours. As an...
