Communication
Listening for Understanding
December 2023
Communicating is not easy at times, and that's when dementia is not even on the radar. Disagreements, confusion, clumsy expression are all ways our ability to communicate can be compromised. But communication is a two-way street. It takes more than our own 'words' to be effective. It takes the ability of someone to not only 'hear' the words, but the ability to listen and understand. Read More…
Dementia as Pilgrimage
March 2023
"Take up your staff and follow me."
From Moses to Jesus we have been implored to pick up our staff and follow. The prophets before Jesus, then Jesus himself, urged us to bear witness. So too can any person living with an advancing dementia say, "Take up your staff and follow me."
Dementia can teach us much - all of us - those living with a condition and those not at the moment. It is not new to believe that dementia can teach us. But each person's travels will be different. Where the person living with the dementia leads will take each of us down a different, although possibly similar, path. But the lessons will be unique. So let's reframe dementia into a pilgrimage. A journey into the spiritual, where we find a connection with the Other. Read More…
From Moses to Jesus we have been implored to pick up our staff and follow. The prophets before Jesus, then Jesus himself, urged us to bear witness. So too can any person living with an advancing dementia say, "Take up your staff and follow me."
Dementia can teach us much - all of us - those living with a condition and those not at the moment. It is not new to believe that dementia can teach us. But each person's travels will be different. Where the person living with the dementia leads will take each of us down a different, although possibly similar, path. But the lessons will be unique. So let's reframe dementia into a pilgrimage. A journey into the spiritual, where we find a connection with the Other. Read More…
The Snowball Effect of Dementia
December 2022
Dementia ricochets throughout our relationships, and throughout the social network. It is not only the person who is living with the condition who is affected, but family and friends, work colleagues, and many others. Dementia truly does have a snowball effect. Conflict and discord can escalate where conflict and discord may have previously been manageable. Difficulties in relationships can emerge, which can actually create a barrier to connecting with the person now living with dementia.
Sometimes familial conflict can even seem insurmountable. I know, I speak from experience. Read More…
Sometimes familial conflict can even seem insurmountable. I know, I speak from experience. Read More…
The Confusing thing about Memory
August 2022
Memory is one of those things. Memories can be pleasant and shared experiences, if you have those around you to share such occasions with you. Yet, at the same time, memories can be different for each person who was there. Memories can also be just recollections, a memory without any particular emotional association. And memories can at times bring a smile in the moment and much joy, to then bring tears, especially if the individual or individuals are no longer with us. Read More…
Have you ever Turned your Back on Someone?
April 2022
During this Easter season let us continue to be mindful that we do not turn our back on someone just because he or she is different, or because of cognitive or physical abilities or disabilities. We can all be guilty, if not intentionally, then unwittingly, of denying another person's existence. Read More…
Staying Connected
March 2022
As many of you will know dementia is an umbrella term that refers to a number of conditions that can create difficulties with memory, comprehension, orientation and sometimes personality, depending on the area of the brain that is affected.
There are, however, any number of conditions that can cause these difficulties, so it is always important to have a medical check-up if you or someone you know displays any of these symptoms.
Read More…
There are, however, any number of conditions that can cause these difficulties, so it is always important to have a medical check-up if you or someone you know displays any of these symptoms.
Read More…