I was inspired to write this post after reading a question from one of my blog followers. And, of course, it isn’t the first time I’ve heard something like this. So many people tell their loved ones, “I’ll always take care of you at home,” or, “I promise I’ll never move you into a nursing home.” Unfortunately,Continue reading “When “I’ll never move you to a home,” isn’t true anymore”
Tag Archives: care
Agreeing to Remember: Teaching Dementia Care Through Improv
A friend and I just started a new group, Agreeing to Remember. I’ve been performing improv comedy for over 7 years, and, other than dementia care, it’s my biggest passion. I love being on stage, “playing” with my friends, and creating a world that didn’t exist previously. Improv and positive dementia care have a lot inContinue reading “Agreeing to Remember: Teaching Dementia Care Through Improv”
When You Are Shamed For Moving A Parent Into A Care Center
My article on Forbes.com When You Are Shamed For Moving A Parent Into A Care Center
Why residents constantly lose their shoes in long-term care
I’ve met some of the best people while working in long-term care. While there are plenty of residents’ families that I wish I hadn’t had to deal with, there are many more that are absolutely wonderful. I was talking to one woman the other day whose mother is in our care. “Some people get upset aboutContinue reading “Why residents constantly lose their shoes in long-term care”
People with dementia always win arguments
You can’t argue with someone who has dementia. Well, you can, but you are going to lose. Merle’s daughter comes to visit her frequently, but argues with Merle as if repeating herself is going to make her mother understand. “No, mommy!” Rebecca cried out. “I told you, we aren’t going to see daddy, we are goingContinue reading “People with dementia always win arguments”
When your relatives think you “shouldn’t have moved mom”
When the holidays come around, your relatives come in from out of town. And, of course, they also bring a lot of opinions with them. I can’t tell you how many of my residents’ adult kids come in, upset, and tearfully tell me that their cousins/siblings/aunts and uncles/friends/etc. think that they “shouldn’t have moved mom [theContinue reading “When your relatives think you “shouldn’t have moved mom””
Understanding the limitations of a person with dementia
A reader of my blog wrote in recently to ask me about a woman who was taking care of her mother. This woman was trying to get her mom with advanced dementia to sit at a table, eat with utensils, hold and pay attention to conversation, and eat regular foods. The reader was frustrated byContinue reading “Understanding the limitations of a person with dementia”
A message for a loved one
In case you missed it: a post from earlier this year “I need to call my son,” Mara said. “I want to make sure he knows I’m here,” she explained. I sighed and thought a moment, turning to look at Mara. Her eyes were big and full of anxiety. Her son had died a coupleContinue reading “A message for a loved one”
Pureed food doesn’t have to be gross
When people think of a “puree” diet, they typically scrunch up their noses in disgust. “Ugh, mom has to eat that liquefied food?” family members may sometimes ask. Sure, puree can definitely look gross, but it doesn’t have to! We recently ordered (with the awesome help of our Dietary Director) pureed meats that come in shapes. BelowContinue reading “Pureed food doesn’t have to be gross”
Saving Food: A Generation Gap
I had gone to another dementia care community to visit one of my ex-residents. She remembered me immediately, her eyes filling with tears as I walked up to her dining table. “Oh! You’re here!” she exclaimed, avoiding the use of my name—which she did not know or remember. I pulled up a chair and satContinue reading “Saving Food: A Generation Gap”