Dining rooms are emotional centers in dementia care and all of us need to follow some resident dining room standards. Are yours honoring dignity or causing distress? Mealtimes Matter More Than We Think In dementia care settings, mealtimes are not just about nutrition — they are powerful emotional hubs. They are moments where dignity, connection, and comfort should come…
Here are the 9 Dimensions of Human Well-Being in Dementia PhysicalSupporting comfort, mobility, and bodily health to help the person feel at ease in their body. SafetyCreating an environment where the person feels secure, protected, and free from harm or confusion. SpiritualHonoring the person’s beliefs, values, or sense of purpose to foster peace and inner strength. CognitiveEncouraging thinking, awareness,…
Addressing Pain Points and Exploring Solutions : Staff, Rules & Money The biggest pain points for management and executives of Long-Term Care (LTC) residences typically revolve around the following key areas: staff, rules and money: Staffing Shortages & Retention High turnover rates among caregivers and nurses lead to constant rehiring and training costs. Burnout & stress among staff due to…
Seeing is remembering. You can unlock the magic of visual cues. In the world of Montessori for dementia, visual cues, or “signs,” are much more than simple labels. We say ‘the magic of visual cues’ because they are powerful tools that tap into the unique ways the brain processes and retains information, especially when facing cognitive challenges. But why…
Long-term care homes and community organizations have a wonderful opportunity to foster collaboration, purpose, and inclusion by creating dementia-friendly committees. This initiative not only enhances the lives of residents with dementia but also builds stronger bonds among staff and non-dementia residents. Here’s how you can create a committee that welcomes and incorporates everyone meaningfully. Step 1: Establish the Purpose…
Understanding Fear and Paranoia in People Living with Dementia – Fear and paranoia in people living with dementia can sometimes appear irrational or unfounded, but there are often underlying reasons that, with some detective work, can be identified and addressed. While these behaviors may not always stem from unmet needs, they often arise from the brain’s altered ability to…
Case for Environmental Changes Benefiting All Residents in a Senior Residence – Environmental changes tailored to dementia patients are not exclusive—they align with the principles of universal design, benefiting all residents by enhancing safety, comfort, social engagement, and overall well-being. Creating an environment tailored to dementia patients offers holistic benefits that extend to all residents, not just those with…
Why Understanding ‘Why’ Matters- In Alzheimer’s and dementia care understanding the “why” behind behaviors is not just important—it’s transformative. Here’s why understanding ‘why’ matters: Whether you’re a caregiver on the front lines, a manager coordinating staff, or an owner overseeing operations, this insight forms the foundation of compassionate, effective, and sustainable care. Responsive behaviors like agitation, aggression, or withdrawal…
Beyond Bingo! Creating joyful, purposeful moments for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia goes far beyond bingo. In dementia care, one of the greatest challenges is finding activities that truly enrich the lives of individuals while meeting their unique cognitive and physical needs. Too often, activity schedules are filled with games like Bingo—an enjoyable pastime, yes, but one…
The Future of Person-Centered Care: Move Beyond Basic Needs to Meaningful Engagement in Long-Term Care – In long-term care (LTC) settings, meeting residents’ daily needs—such as nutrition, hygiene, and medication—has long been the focus. However, as our understanding of holistic care evolves, it becomes clear that these basic needs are only part of the equation. To truly improve the…
Dining rooms are emotional centers in dementia care and all of us need to…
When all is said and done, try to remember that getting an early diagnosis…
