“We bring Rachael in for a different perspective,” the nursing school’s professor told her class. “As I said before: do what she says in practice, but remember to write the opposite of what she says when you’re taking your boards.” The class nodded, but I was shocked. “Wait, nursing schools still teach reorientation? I thoughtContinue reading “Enter the Gray Area: Communicating with someone living with dementia”
Tag Archives: vascular
5 steps to get you into the world of someone living with dementia
I had someone tell me recently that they’d used my Embracing Their Reality techniques when talking to their mother with dementia. “I told her that we were going to see her parents, and she looked confused. She was talking about her parents the week before, so I just started the conversation about seeing them! EmbracingContinue reading “5 steps to get you into the world of someone living with dementia”
“Therapeutic lying” is a ridiculous phrase
I work very, very hard to dispel myths about dementia. I work particularly hard to dispel myths regarding communication with individuals living with dementia. One of these myths is the idea of “therapeutic lying.” Depending on who they learned from, care partners were taught to “never lie” to someone living with dementia, or they were taught to “therapeuticallyContinue reading ““Therapeutic lying” is a ridiculous phrase”
New website = new offers
I’m really excited because… I’m moving away from one-time trainings and spending more time on what I really enjoy doing: consulting projects. I now offer a calendar on my site where you can book a phone call with me. This means zero back-and-forth emails about when we’re both available. Step One of my new consultingContinue reading “New website = new offers”
Only 3 Questions You Need in Dementia Caregiving
These are my best 3 tried-and-true questions that you need in dementia caregiving. Are you ready? 1. “Where do you think they are?” This is the question that you’re going to use with someone who has dementia when they are talking about a loved one who has passed away. For example, perhaps your mom isContinue reading “Only 3 Questions You Need in Dementia Caregiving”
Improv comedy and dementia care workshop now online
Our workshop is officially ONLINE which means you can take it from wherever (and whenever) you want! This is a cool opportunity for you to see how improvisational comedy works with dementia caregiving, especially if you can’t make it to Pittsburgh, PA for our workshops. We travel, so we’re happy to come to you, butContinue reading “Improv comedy and dementia care workshop now online”
Why the loss of control motivates most “behaviors”
Cecilia was having a hard time. Suddenly, she couldn’t do all the things she used to do. She had once owned her own business, handled all her finances, made her own daily plans, raised children, and more. Now, with dementia, she couldn’t manage those tasks. Now, her family was doing everything for her, and itContinue reading “Why the loss of control motivates most “behaviors””
How Joe stopped arguing with his mom
“Mom’s room is a mess!” Joe complained. “Every time I go in there, we argue about her clothes! She’s got them strewn all over the floor, and she keeps claiming that they don’t belong to her.” It was true. Joe and his mom, Bethany, argued nonstop when he came to visit her at our dementiaContinue reading “How Joe stopped arguing with his mom”
Use code VALENTINE on “Everything You Need to Know About Dementia” to pay only $19.99 for a $34.99 class!
Assisted Living is NOT your enemy
“We want to keep her out of assisted living as long as possible.” “My brother thinks it’s horrible that we want to move dad.” “I’m exhausted caring for my loved one at home, but moving them just seems cruel.” “She took care of me when I was younger, so now it’s my turn.” “I don’tContinue reading “Assisted Living is NOT your enemy”