Ten Strategies for Managing Care Refusals in the Moment
Ten strategies for managing care refusals: entering their reality, bridging, distraction, hand-over-hand, mirror-mirror, vibes, ask for help, apologize with praise, rewards, and rescue.
The Power of Procedural Memory: What Tony Bennett, Salmon Patties, and Fridge Worms Have in Common
At the time of this writing, Tony Bennett gave a concert with Lady Gaga. In spite of severe memory loss, Mr. Bennett gave a flawless performance. This is an example of procedural memory. In Mr. Bennett’s case, he had sung his songs thousands of times over decades. His “library of […]
2021 Crash Course in Dementia-Centric Communication
Dementia-centric communication is the ability to interact with people who have dementia in a respectful and meaningful way. I hear, over and over again, “I don’t know what to say to a person with dementia.” “What if I do something wrong?” Fear not, I am here to help by providing […]
Dementia & Poop: How to Avoid Accidents and Stop Smearing
Warning: This is a graphic topic. Learning and Procedural Memory Today, I received a call from a good friend who was very upset. She is caring for her father and he is smearing his poop all over the bathroom. Towels, walls, any surface within reach. He is leaving the bathroom […]
Do People with Dementia Remember What They Want to Remember?
Caregivers find selective memory difficult and frustrating with people with dementia. This blog provides insight and help.
Meet the Dementias: Start Here
Many people confuse dementia with Alzheimer’s Disease. A person with Alzheimer’s has dementia. A person with dementia does not always have Alzheimer’s Disease.
The “Why” Behind the “What:” Shrinking Brain and Memory Loss
I explain how the shrinking brain causes many of the repetitive questions and behaviors that caregivers find frustrating.
The “Why” Behind the “What:” Mixed-up Memories
Avoid quizzing the person with dementia. Logic does not work. Arguing does not work.