Understanding and Responding to Sexual Disinhibition in Dementia
Understanding and Responding to Sexual Disinhibition in Dementia “Why are they doing this? Is it me? How do I even begin to handle something so uncomfortable?” These are common, heartfelt questions many caregivers ask when confronted with sexual disinhibition in someone they love living with dementia. It’s a challenging behavior that can evoke a mix […]
Pacing and Fidgeting in Dementia: Understanding and Redirecting Restless Energy
Pacing and Fidgeting in Dementia: Understanding and Redirecting Restless Energy “Why are they always walking around?” “What can I do to help them settle down?” These are common questions caregivers ask when a person living with dementia exhibits constant pacing or fidgeting. This guide explores why these behaviors occur and offers practical strategies to support […]
Traveling with Dementia: A Compassionate Guide to Safe Journeys
Traveling with Dementia: A Compassionate Guide to Safe Journeys For many caregivers, the thought of traveling with a person living with dementia can feel overwhelming. You might wonder if it’s even possible to create new memories or visit loved ones without causing distress. The truth is, with careful preparation and a flexible mindset, meaningful journeys […]
The Power of Routine: How Structure Reduces Anxiety in Dementia
As dementia progresses, the brain loses its ability to process new information and adapt to change. This can make the world feel like a confusing, frightening, and unpredictable place, which often leads to anxiety, agitation, and restlessness. In this state of constant uncertainty, a predictable daily routine is one of the most powerful non-drug tools […]
Managing Incontinence with Dignity: A Caregiver’s Guide
For many caregivers, incontinence is one of the most difficult and emotionally taxing aspects of dementia care. As the disease progresses, the brain may no longer be able to recognize the body’s signals or remember the steps involved in using the toilet. This is a medical symptom of the disease, not a behavioral choice. Responding […]
Hydration Hacks: 7 Creative Ways to Drink More Water
For a person living with dementia, staying hydrated can be a major challenge. They may no longer recognize the sensation of thirst, they might forget to drink, or they may have swallowing difficulties that make drinking water difficult. This is a serious concern, as dehydration can quickly lead to increased confusion, urinary tract infections (UTIs), […]
Navigating Family Conflict: When Dementia Becomes a Family Crisis
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it doesn’t just change the life of the person living with the condition; it shifts the entire family ecosystem. During my six plus years helping support three family members, I saw how a crisis could either pull a family together or tear it apart. For a global […]
Self-Care for the Global Care Partner: Moving from Martyrdom to Sustainability
When you are caring for a loved one with dementia, your own needs often fall to the bottom of an endless to-do list. Whether you are navigating the healthcare system in the United States, the UK, or anywhere else in the world, the weight of the “long goodbye” is a universal experience. During my six […]
GPS Trackers for Wandering: A Care Partner’s Guide to Safety and Peace of Mind
For those living with dementia, the urge to “go home” or “go to work” can lead to wandering, even in familiar neighborhoods. During my six + years of caregiving, I learned that while we want to encourage independence, we must balance it with safety. GPS tracking technology has evolved to become a discreet, effective tool […]
Better Sleep and Reduced Anxiety: Can Grounding Sheets Help with Dementia?
Sleep disturbances and “sundowning” are among the most exhausting challenges for both people living with dementia and their caregivers. In my own home, I have seen how quality of sleep directly impacts mood and cognitive clarity. Through my research into natural wellness and personal experience with my fiancée, who tracked a noticeable improvement in her […]