Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alzheimer’s Association have excellent general resources for dementia caregivers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please refer to those sites first; I am not going to repeat their advice on this blog. Instead, I provide some additional and practical COVID-19 and dementia caregiving tips…
Continue reading ➞ COVID-19 and Dementia Caregiving Tips
It may seem like common sense to remove firearms from the house of a person with dementia. Especially if you have observed prior instances of unsafe behavior. But what happens when the person with dementia reports the guns as stolen? Read more for pre-emptive strategies and approaches for both family members and law enforcement.
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.
Drowning in Dementia in Alabama According to the Alzheimer's Association, 304,000 people in Alabama are family caregivers for 92,000 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This number only includes people who are 65 years old or older. It does not capture the 13% of people aged 45 or older who have some type of cognitive impairment,…
Continue reading ➞ The PANDA Project: New Resources for Dementia Caregivers in Alabama
I suck at selecting and giving gifts. My family members and friends are probably rolling their eyes as I tackle the topic of best gifts for dementia caregivers. Other organizations have general information about selecting appropriate gifts for persons with dementia. Alzheimers.net, for example, has a terrific one. They recommend tailoring the gift according to the…
Continue reading ➞ What Gifts are Best for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia?
Caregivers struggle with how best to celebrate holidays with persons with Alzheimer's dementia. I provide strategies for maximizing enjoyment while minimizing distress for all.
Halloween marks the beginning of the fall and winter holidays. I will be posting more content about holidays and dementia. Here are some simple ideas and tips for CarePartners to have a safe and sane (ok, as sane as possible) holiday. 1. Play to Your Loved One's Strengths The best way to have an enjoyable…
Once you realize that the person with dementia is having pain, the next step is to address the pain.
People with dementia DO feel pain. They may be unable to tell you in words, but they are communicating in other ways!
My sister reached out to me yesterday about diet and dementia. She found a recent story circulating on FB about how family members "cured" an 82-year-old woman's dementia. "I want to hear what Rita has to say." Thank you, Margo! This blog is dedicated to my sister, my Aunt Peg and other FB friends who…
