Words matter and in the same way, diagnostic classification does too. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, used by clinicians to diagnose people with mental illness, dementia and the different types of dementia are listed there. In the latest DSM-5, the term “dementia” is replaced with neurocognitive disorder. Thank goodness for that because the word dementia is derived from a Latin word meaning “mad” or… Continue reading Did You Know Dementia is a Mental Illness?
How Do Other Caregivers Do It?
I don’t know about you but as a primary caregiver of a person with vascular dementia, I find myself thirsty for information about how other people provide care. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a voyeur. Of course I review research, listen to webinars, and have a degree in this stuff but honestly, the personal information… Continue reading How Do Other Caregivers Do It?
Looking at COVID-19 Through the Eyes of Residents with Dementia
In August I had the pleasure of writing a piece for McKnight’s Long Term Care News. I wrote about how important it is to look at COVID-19 from the perspective of those living with dementia. Here’s a snippet of the article: Head over to McKnight’s Long Term Care News to see the full article!
Speak Loudly About the Good Nursing Homes are Doing During COVID-19
In June, I had the pleasure of writing a piece for McKnight’s Long Term Care News. I wrote about all of the good things nursing homes are doing during COVID-19. Here’s a snippet of the article: Head over to McKnight’s Long Term Care News to read the full post!
Elbows: An Homage
According to anatomy, the elbow is a hinge joint made up of the humerus, ulna and radius. The unique positioning and interaction of the bones in the joint allows for a small amount of rotation as well as hinge action. It doesn’t sound real glamorous. We’ve had them since the beginning of our lives and have… Continue reading Elbows: An Homage
A Family Approach to Care
As family members, we know the comfort a visit brings, not only to our loved ones, but to us as well. Nothing would feel better than to get a hug or share a laugh. Until this crisis is over, we have to be able to provide the loving care we always have but with a… Continue reading A Family Approach to Care
Make a Dementia Window Mask
Helpful links to make your own mask: 1. Peel n Stick product 2. To decrease fogging in your mask consider this product. 3. Soft Headbands *If you prefer using a sewing machine, instructions can be found here.
Mask = Dementia = Confusion
It is true that no matter the level of functioning, a person with dementia is able to read a caregivers affect and body language. We know this because in elder care communities residents are automatically drawn to those caregivers with a smile on their face and a positive affect. Those staff members can help residents… Continue reading Mask = Dementia = Confusion
