March 2020 Newsletter

Solving the Dementia Puzzle One Piece at a Time!! Part 4

Meet John and Auntie Alice

Welcome to the fourth in the series focusing on living with a loved one who has dementia. Learning communication tips will help you meet the challenges that can make your time together successful.

DO WHAT THEY CAN DO, NEVER SAY “YOU CAN’T”

I can’t think of a better example of how this approach was put into practice. Listen to my friend John’s success as he used this concept perfectly. There was never a need for him to say “You can’t”.

“I had dinner with my Auntie Alice. On the menu was one of her favorites – shrimp scampi. I quietly told the waitress to have the shrimp tails cut off—so she won’t try to swallow them. That way I didn’t need to cut her food in front of others…so she wouldn’t be embarrassed. She also likes HOT tea after dinner but then she kind of falls asleep while holding the cup. I only filled it half way and gently touched her arm if she started to doze while holding the hot liquid. Easy fix and she loved the dinner.”

It sends a very clear message to your loved one that you know them and have their back. This one is very simple and requires just a little preplanning. With the person’s likes in mind give it a try.

John also shared a wonderful quote that says it all:

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.” (Jon Kabat-Zinn)

Sending you a wish for continued successful conversations.

STAY SAFE!
STAY WELL!

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Diana and her Mom Iona