Gearing Up, Not Giving Up

When all is said and done, try to remember that getting an early diagnosis is gearing up, not giving up. Loving Them Well: A Gentle Guide for a Husband or Wife Noticing Change You may have noticed that your spouse is becoming more forgetful—names slip away, routines change, maybe s/he repeats stories. You’ve chosen to meet them with patience…

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Dimensions of Human Well-Being in Dementia

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,…

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Like Any Other Day

Like Any Other Day It starts like any other day. You’ve got your routine down. Breakfast trays are being passed, morning care is underway, and you know which residents need a little extra time and who’s usually ready to go. You’ve already helped someone find their missing slipper, calmed another who was looking for her husband, and you’re halfway through…

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How to Approach Fear and Paranoia

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…

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Engagement: Offering Fail-Safe Activities

Successfully Offering Fail-safe Activities to People Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia –  When caring for individuals with dementia, providing meaningful and engaging activities is crucial to their quality of life. Adapted activities not only offer a sense of purpose but also help stimulate cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being. However, finding and offering fail-safe…

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Happier Residents, Happier Homes

Happier Residents, Happier Homes – Key Benefits of Non-Drug Approaches in Long-Term Care Homes – The core philosophy behind non-drug approaches is that people with dementia can still experience joy, purpose, and dignity when they are treated as individuals with unique needs and capabilities. When long-term care homes shift focus from managing behaviors with medications to engaging residents in…

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Transformation of Evergreen Manor

Case Study: The Transformation of Evergreen Manor* – Let’s delve into the transformation of Evergreen Manor, beginning with the background. Evergreen Manor, a mid-sized senior care residence in the Midwest, had been grappling with several challenges, including high staff turnover, frequent incidents of responsive behaviors among residents with dementia, and concerns about its financial sustainability. The facility operated on a…

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New Alzheimer’s-Dementia Diagnosis

New Alzheimer’s – Dementia Diagnosis: Reactions and Feelings – Someone who has just received a new Alzheimer’s – dementia diagnosis can be profoundly affected. It is an emotional and life-altering experience. The reactions and feelings of individuals upon hearing such a diagnosis can vary widely. This can depend on their personality, life experiences, support systems, and understanding of the…

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