Rita Jablonski, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FGSA is a nurse practitioner, researcher, tenured professor, and former family caregiver. Her research and practice involve all aspects of dementia management; she is best known for non-drug strategies to address dementia-related behaviors.
The person with dementia wants an outlet for that drive and energy but is no longer able to channel these desires into appropriate (for us) venues. If I do not provide an outlet for that energy, drive, or purpose, then I create a problematic situation.
This blog builds on information covered in some other blogs: Care refusals based on fear Preventing care-resistant/care refusal behavior Handling care refusals in real time In this blog, I will show you how to tailor these general approaches to specific situations where you may have, or have already encountered, care refusals […]
Family care partners often ask me, “How will I know when it is time for placement?” It depends, and there is no magic formula. Factors that affect the timing and the decision include care partner support, the relationship between care partner and the person living with dementia, and financial resources. […]
Care partners for persons living with dementia need a back-up plan. There needs to be someone who can temporarily or permanently care for the person living with dementia. Best to plan for the situation now, rather than scramble under difficult situations. Medical Emergencies Care partners are familiar with medical emergencies […]
This blog highlights some of the initial and critical components of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia. Read on for more information.
10 ways to get around “no” and “I already did that”!
As many of us become caregivers, we may become afraid that we may get Alzheimer’s Disease or some other dementia. Some people inquire about genetic testing. At the moment, genetic testing for an inherited form of Alzheimer’s Disease is reserved for research studies because of its rarity. For the other […]
“Lewy Bodies” are abnormal proteins that show up in the parts of the brain the handle memory, sleep, movement, and “automatic” bodily functions like heart rate and blood pressure. Some people start out with difficulty moving and tremors and are initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Over time, they develop memory […]
Chocolates, plush animals, and romantic cards. Those are the staples of Valentine’s Day. But want to see real love in action? Watch a care partner for someone with dementia. (Apologies to Saint Paul; I used his First Letter to the Corinthians, verses 4-13, as the platform for this post). Love […]
An article recently appeared that broadly proclaimed “We may finally know what causes Alzheimer’s Disease and how to stop it!” The author asserted that periodontal disease caused Alzheimer’s Disease and that curing periodontal disease would cure Alzheimer’s Disease. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The problem with this type of reporting […]