Topic: dementia
It is probably one of the toughest conversations you’ll ever have: you would rather talk about finances and death with your parents than ask them to retire the car keys.
Why is it so hard? Americans prize self-sufficiency. Driving is deeply connected to our sense of independence and freedom. On the practical side: without a car, your parents will have trouble getting places. Opportunities to socialize will be tricky too.
Though an emotionally charged topic, it’s counterproductive to postpone tough conversations. Keep in mind, it’s more important to avoid accidents or death than to avoid talking about unpleasant and difficult topics. …
Many of us look forward to holiday gatherings – getting together with family and friends, sharing lively conversation and good food, exchanging gifts, treats, and merrymaking.
But for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, all the activity, the people, and associated noise can be very unsettling. …
Making the holidays more inclusive and meaningful for those living with dementiaRead More »
Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s, another dementia, or Parkinson’s, whether it’s a spouse or parent, can be stressful, and at times, overwhelming, even on a good day. Too much stress can be harmful to you both. It’s also not uncommon for family caregivers to be so concerned with the needs of the person in their care that they lose sight of their own well-being. …
This article was first published July 15, 2022 and updated October 27, 2022
The Midterm elections are just around the corner. The Washington State Voters’ Pamphlet arrived in mailboxes last week. Ballots were mailed October 21. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. For information about elections in Washington State, visit the Washington State Secretary of State website page HERE.
Whenever an opportunity to vote is on the horizon, our team often fields questions from family members and other supports about voting when the person in our mutual care is living with a cognitive impairment. …
The Right to Vote and Cognitive Impairment (updated)Read More »
Last week we looked at tips for navigating long-term care options to support living at home. Successfully managing care at home depends on many factors, including finances, health status, transportation, mobility, a supportive physical environment, a willingness to accept care, and having a realistic view of the care needs.
There may come a point when the person in your care can no longer be safely and adequately cared for at home. For example, when your parent has a progressive health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, there may come a time when the care needed at home exceeds your capacity to support them safely.
Be prepared for this reality; it’s never too early to research, visit, and reflect in preparation for a possible move. It’s always best to be proactive. …
Navigating Long-Term Care Options (in greater Seattle) Part IIRead More »
Art can be created and experienced in many forms. Dance. Collage. Painting. Drumming. Pottery. Singing. Acting. Writing. Gardening. Knitting. Poetry. Sewing. Storytelling. Drawing. Even cooking.
The effect of experiencing or making art when living with dementia can be profound. We see this every day in our work as Creative Engagement Specialists and Care Managers. …
Washington state primaries are just around the corner. Today, July 15, 2022, marks the start of the 18-day voting period (through Election Day, Tuesday, August 2). Ballots have been mailed and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
Whenever an opportunity to vote is on the horizon, our team often fields questions from family members and other supports about voting when the person in our mutual care is living with a cognitive impairment. …
Summer celebrations are upon — Independence Day, family reunions, graduations, weddings. All are wonderful opportunities to gather, though often filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement. For individuals and families living with dementia, it can be challenging. A time of high anxiety.
To minimize anxiety and encourage an inclusive, more enjoyable holiday and gatherings for all, a little advance planning can go a long way in ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. …
“Dementia is a shift in the way a person experiences the world around them.” ~ G. Allen Power, MD
We all seek community, purpose, meaning, connection. Our need for relationship and social connection is at the heart of being human. That doesn’t change if we are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. …
Do you find yourself more easily distracted these days? There is good reason: Concentration is about keeping what’s useful top of mind while at the same time suppressing thoughts that distract from your primary objective. As we age, the “executive” center of the brain becomes less able to sort out distractions. It’s a filtering process that requires heavy brainpower. Many people worry that lapses in concentration are an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Not necessarily. While memory and focus are related, they are not the same thing. …