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 […]
The Ethics of Therapeutic Fibbing: When Comfort Outweighs the Truth in Dementia Care
For anyone raised on the principle that “honesty is the best policy,” caregiving for a loved one with dementia presents a painful moral paradox. During my six+ years as a caregiver for three family members, I faced this dilemma constantly: Do I tell the truth and cause immediate emotional trauma, or do I “fib” to […]
Dressing for Success: 5 Simplification Techniques for Dementia Care
For a person living with dementia, a seemingly simple task like getting dressed can become a source of frustration, anxiety, and confusion. As the disease progresses, they may forget how to dress, be overwhelmed by choices, or not understand why they need to change clothes. However, with a few simple strategies, caregivers can transform this […]
Coping with Dementia Behaviors: A Caregiver’s Guide
Dementia behaviors can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our caregiver’s guide offers empathetic support and practical solutions.
Dementia and Sleep: A Guide to Managing Restless Nights
For many caregivers, the night is the hardest part of the day. Sleep disturbances are a common and challenging aspect of dementia, affecting the person with the condition and leading to exhaustion for their caregivers. Understanding why these changes happen is the first step toward finding solutions. This article explores the common sleep problems associated […]
Dementia and Hallucinations: Seeing Things That Aren’t There
When a person with dementia begins to experience hallucinations, it can be a distressing and confusing time for them and their caregivers. Understanding what hallucinations are and why they happen is the first step toward managing them effectively. This article provides a guide for caregivers on the different types of hallucinations, their causes, and practical […]
Dementia and Anger: Why It Happens and How to Cope
Caring for a person with dementia can be a journey filled with love, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. One of the most difficult to manage is when your loved one expresses anger or aggression. It can be hurtful and confusing, but it is important to understand that this behavior is often a result […]
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living: A Comprehensive Comparison for People Living with Dementia
Choosing the right care for a person living with dementia is a significant decision that many families face. As dementia progresses, the level of support needed often increases, making it essential to understand the differences between various care options. Two of the most common choices are assisted living and memory care. While both provide support, […]