This may be uncomfortable to read—and even more uncomfortable to recognize in ourselves. It’s about the unintended infantilization of dementia care – When kindness crosses a line we didn’t mean to cross. But it’s a conversation long overdue in long-term care: Are we, unintentionally, treating adults with dementia like children? Not in policy. Not in intention. But in tone, language, and daily…
In long-term care, the phrase “responsive behavior” is everywhere. It appears in documentation, care plans, shift reports, and team discussions. It has helped move the sector away from blaming language like “aggressive” or “difficult,” and toward a more person-centered understanding. But there’s a deeper issue we need to confront: By the time something is labeled a responsive behavior, we are…
At the case conference, the idea sounded simple enough. “We could place a broom and dustpan in the corner of the dining room,” said the recreation therapist. “Not hidden. Visible. With a small sign that says, Help us keep the home clean.” She said it the way people do when they think they are suggesting something completely reasonable. And…
Why Dementia Behaviors Happen (And What They Really Mean) – Dementia behaviors are not random. They are often responses to unmet needs, confusion, environmental stress, or communication challenges. Instead of trying to manage behaviors after they occur, understanding the underlying causes—such as discomfort, lack of control, or overstimulation—can help prevent many of them and improve care. One of the…
Activities for Dementia Patients: And Why They Often Fail – Many activities for dementia patients fail because they focus on keeping people busy rather than helping them feel useful. While activities like puzzles or crafts can be helpful, people living with dementia often respond better to meaningful roles, familiar tasks, and real-life participation. Engagement that supports purpose, contribution, and…
“Nothing in the Hallway”: When Safety and Meaning Collide in Dementia Care – In many long-term care homes, a familiar moment happens. Someone suggests placing a simple engagement station in a hallway—a plant to water, a small task station, something meaningful for residents with dementia to interact with along their path. And immediately, the response comes: “No. Absolutely not. Hallways…
In dementia care, a lot of the work can feel small. Even things that don’t look like much can change everything. Like… Helping someone get started.Giving them something to do.Adjusting the environment.Creating a bit more structure in the day. Individually, these moments don’t seem significant. They’re easy to overlook. But over time, something becomes clear. When a person has:…
What is concentration in dementia? “Concentration” doesn’t necessarily mean the same kind of sustained, complex attention an individual without dementia might exhibit. Instead, it refers to a state of focused engagement on an activity or stimulus that is: Meaningful: The activity resonates with the individual’s interests, past experiences, or current emotional state. Accessible: The task is within their current cognitive and physical capabilities,…
When Dinner Becomes Background Noise: Reclaiming the Dining Room in Dementia Care – Dinner begins before the first plate is served. It begins in the atmosphere. The residents start to arrive. Some come slowly, scanning the room for familiarity. Others are guided in wheelchairs. Some walk independently but hesitantly. It is the end of the day — a vulnerable time….
In dementia care, person-centered care is the internationally recognized best practice. It means seeing each individual beyond their diagnosis, valuing their history and preferences, and shaping care around their identity and abilities.- Some propose calling it “person-led care.” While this sounds progressive, it risks confusion: many people with dementia — especially in moderate and later stages — cannot reliably “lead” their own…
This may be uncomfortable to read—and even more uncomfortable to recognize in ourselves. It’s…
In long-term care, the phrase “responsive behavior” is everywhere. It appears in documentation, care…
