Hello everyone, Sometimes people with dementia ask the same question or say the same thing over and over and over again. Although we know that the person doesn’t realize he/she is doing this, it can still become extremely frustrating for staff who want to help, but may eventually give up and begin ignoring the person’s […]
Tag: dementia care
Therapeutic Fibbing
Hello everyone, Since we were children, we’ve been taught not to lie to people. But sometimes there are exceptions to this rule. One of them is when we are working with a person who has dementia. In some cases, telling “white lies” helps them to preserve their dignity, allay their fears, and make them feel […]
Helping a Loved One Adjust to Long Term Care
Hello everyone, When a person with dementia moves from home into a long term care community, it can be very difficult for them and their loved ones. This week, we offer some tips on helping to make the transition a bit easier: Encourage families to join their loved ones for activities. This helps the new […]
Approaches to Address Apathy
Hello everyone, We’ve mentioned that apathy is a common challenge for people who have dementia, and is often overlooked because the person with apathy is not generally disruptive to staff or other residents. It is important to remember that apathy is different from depression, as a person who is apathetic is not necessarily sad, but […]
Audio Books: a Great Alternative for Book Lovers with Dementia
Hello everyone, Many older adults who loved to read when they were younger find reading more difficult as they age and their eyesight and/or cognitive ability declines. If you know someone who you think would still enjoy a great book but is unable to read a print version, consider getting them a book in audio […]
Using “DICE” to Assess and Manage Challenging Behaviors
Hello everyone, This week we are introducing “DICE,” a tool you can use to assess and manage behavior change in people with dementia. DICE stands for: Describe the behavior Investigate the influence of things like cognitive status, environment, caregiver approach, physical/medical disorders, and psychiatric symptoms Create a person-centered plan to address the behavior Evaluate if the plan works (Kales, Gitlin, Lyketsos, 2014, […]
Getting the Message Across–Both Ways
Hello everyone, How we communicate with our residents and loved ones with dementia is crucial. We cannot emphasize that enough! People with dementia often struggle to be understood, and if they feel that nobody is listening, they can become angry or frustrated…as you and I would be too! Below is a link to a list […]
Pay Attention to Apathy
Hello everyone, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil” is a well-known proverb. In terms of challenging behaviors, the man running down the hall naked or the woman crying loudly at lunch generally get our attention more quickly than the quiet lady in room 101 who likes to keep to herself and “isn’t any trouble.” In […]
Activity Suggestions from the National Institute on Aging
Hello everyone, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has some good tips on how adapt activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy them too. Household chores like baking, doing dishes and folding laundry can provide a sense of familiarity and calm. The article also gives great suggestions that your residents’ family members […]
Detecting Delirium
Hello everyone, Dementia and old age are the strongest risk factors for delirium, a condition of acute confusion and rapid changes in brain function. It is important to distinguish delirium from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, as delirium is a medical emergency that should be addressed immediately by the healthcare team. Delirium typically involves […]