Educational Concepts for Active Living
Dementia Care Specialists
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Lady in White
I always find life’s twists fascinating. After a no-good-horrible-down-right-awful experience missing my flight in Charlotte, NC, and being re-routed to Milwaukee, I met this lovely 81 year old woman and her dog, Baby Sam. Our conversation was enlightening and I found her exceptionally wise. Her later years have included the loss of many she has loved for a lifetime, but her spirit stays strong and her happiness intact. My thanks to her for reminding me today of what is important.
- Rachel
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Full image link →
We have just participated in a FABULOUS conference sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Central and Western Virginia chapter in Roanoke, VA, at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. This hotel…rich in history (see photo or click here for more info)…is fully decked for Christmas - saturated with cheer, elegance and comfort!
Our thanks to all who brought such positive energy to our programs today — we are particularly grateful for the kindness shown following DK’s recitation of Best In You. Once he sees the video captured this afternoon, he will no doubt savor the applause and log your appreciation as a day’s Top 3!
- Rachel
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From Bowling Green, KY
For some family members it feels as though a loved one with dementia is intentionally trying to drive ‘em nuts…asking the same question over and over…making accusations they very well know are untrue…forgetting to do a simple task time and time again. The caregiver says: “TRY HARDER!” but the person with dementia likely feels, “I’m giving this all I’ve got.” What if the caregiver suspicion is wrong? What if these scenarios have nothing to do with designed, purposeful aggravation? What if a cognitive condition is the culprit for these frustrations? Then suddenly the person with dementia is dealing with multiple layers of distress. Not only will this individual struggle in the “lost” moment (coming to grips with being unable to identify a loved one, execute a task that has been a part of a lifetime routine or find something important that has been misplaced)…but, to add insult to injury, this person also has to deal with “letting down” a family member. When disorientation is at play, it is best for caregivers to show empathy and compassion. Gently and diplomatically guide the person with dementia through their angst…rather than unintentionally push them further into a state of depression.
- Rachel
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From Louisville, KY
A husband and wife attended this program in great spirits, open to sharing stories and insights. He has Alzheimer’s (early stage). She supports and respects him dearly. Their 30+ year love is unmistakable.
Whenever she forgets a word or loses a thought, he lovingly teases: “I think your head is lying too close to my head at night!”
Their ability to smile, laugh, live life to the fullest and uplift one another is refreshing!
- Rachel
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From Frankfort, KY
When a spouse has dementia, how do you deal with a refusal of medication?
One idea discussed: Make the taking of medicine “an event” – where both of you (husband and wife) take pills at the same time together each day. This way, no one feels singled out and the “togetherness” encourages participation. As an added level of humor, toast the moment by saying: “Cheers!” or “Bottoms Up!”
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A Series of Great Programs
Over four and a half days this past week we worked with nearly 450 family and professional caregivers in Huntington, West Virginia, Lexington, Frankfort, Louisville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Owensboro and Paducah, Kentucky as well as Evansville, Indiana. Many thanks to all who attended our presentations…and a special shout out to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter for sponsoring this fabulous initiative! We were able to cover a lot of great information and gather insightful thoughts and ideas at each stop along the way. Some of the subjects, stories and quotes will be highlighted here on our blog…soon to come!
- Rachel
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Lovely Irony
We are traveling in Kentucky this week…speaking at different locations each day (morning and night). Yesterday afternoon on our way to Lexington we stopped for lunch at an Applebee’s and couldn’t help but notice the sweet irony of this picture. A group of senior women sat beneath a sign that read: “Our seniors are loved!” The signage is likely intended to celebrate local high school or college kids, but I like to think they have an appreciation for the elders of their community. ;)
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Raymond by Brett Eldredge →
Over the years I have been touched by different songs related to dementia (i.e. Ellsworth by Rascal Flatts), but this one might just be my favorite. Tim (my husband) teases me for being all “country” now, but oh well. Good music is good music! And the lyrical message is spot on in sync with my philosophy about how to be there for someone in a time of need.
- Rachel
[please excuse the ad before the music video!]
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On Facebook
We have been behind the times…but NO LONGER! It’s official - we have a facebook page! Here’s to making great connections and sharing lots of good info!
- Rachel
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We spent Monday afternoon at Dooley Center (in Atchison, KS) with residents who have dementia. Mom had the sharp idea to give this brass Tic-Tac-Toe set a try and it made for a fabulous 5-7 minute connect! Quick, easy, fun exchange…especially when Sister Roberta modified pieces to line up her “O’s” or “X’s” for the win!
- Rachel
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Always a Mother
Explanation: During a conversation with a dynamic group in Kentucky, we discussed what is implied and what can happen when you speak in past tense to a person who has dementia. An audience member shared one of her experiences...
Caregiver: "You must have been a mother."
Elder: "Oh no, honey, I AM a mother."
Side Thought: Some of you may already know this, but I am pregnant with my first child (due in January). This has already been an incredible experience, unlike any other in my lifetime. Only now can I begin to understand the correction made in this quick exchange. Memory loss doesn't necessarily diminish the satisfaction and joy of being a mother. What a role to cherish. - Rachel
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If you can spare 7 minutes to watch this video, you’ll be so happy you did. Sister Theophane has to be one of the kindest, sweetest spirits I have ever come across. And that’s truly saying something!
This collage of images fascinates me on a number of levels relative to dementia care. Watching something in REAL time gives an accurate glimpse of what it is actually like to interact with someone who has dementia. The slow pace, repetitive statements and frequent questions often bog down a caregiver…but when we embrace this side of things we suddenly find ourselves in a beautiful space of joy and appreciation. Sister Theophane is never corrected or reprimanded. She is highly involved, interested, trusting, optimistic, agreeable and loving. She senses those things in return, I think.
I am always intrigued by what simple objects or moments become invaluable…like the box as a table or the wet wipe as a self-directed delight. Who’da thunk?
- Rachel
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Back in July I mentioned two very special women residing in Dooley Center (Atchison, KS), Sister Theophane and Bettie McGarry. We had such an inspiring visit with the two of them that I’d like to share some of the videos and pictures captured. Our intent that day was to create potato printed art - simple, colorful and inclusive of those with dementia. As we were packing up to leave KC, though, I realized I only had these ancient, crazy-eyed potatoes to work with. Kind of ugly in appearance and rather soft, I thought we were sunk by our medium of choice. And then we realized the preparation of these potatoes (needing tender loving care) could become a great way to engage in conversation and spend time together. Little did we know how much Bettie would recall from days past…
- Rachel
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At the end of August Mom and I went to the Dooley Center (at Mount Saint Scholastica in Atchison, KS) for our monthly visit with the Benedictine Sisters. Our creative work this time (with those who have dementia) focused on FELTING as an art and means of interaction/communication. The video and photos from the day are WONDERFUL - it will be a treat to share them once they are ready for the spotlight! In the meantime, if you’ve never worked with fibers, consider gathering some supplies and experimenting with the process. For the most part it is simple, and the final product is always something aesthetically appealing! I love no-fail artistic endeavors! :) Relative to working with those who have dementia, however, I’ll just say for now that a one-to-one ratio is a really nice ratio for interaction. Small group settings are possible, for sure, but 1:1 allows for more personal, conversational flow and coaching.
- Rachel
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It is what it is, but it will be what you make it.
–Pat Summitt’s response when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease @ 59 yrs old
