Listening for Understanding
December 2023 Communication
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…
Living Faith
September 2023 Faith
The Biblical text, Hebrew and Christian scriptures, is full of people failing. It is evident that throughout history people have failed. In the Book of Amos (Ch 5) we hear that the people have failed, they have done wrong. All those 40 years their ancestors were in the wilderness they did not make sacrifices and offerings, so now the people attempt to make such offerings and have festivals for God, God is angry. But … Read More…
Dementia as Pilgrimage
March 2023 Communication | Faith
"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 Communication
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 Communication
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…