It is no secret I have a weakness for hot chocolate.
It is still my hot beverage of choice, long after my peers switched to a daily coffee habit. So what does hot chocolate have to do with dementia? Everything and nothing at all.
Nothing at all? Our lives do not become a compressed, medical version of ourselves when dementia enters the picture. So moments for play, a treat, or a visit from a loved one should never become a line item on the care plan or viewed with a medical lens. It should happen simply because, and enjoyed for the beauty of being in a relationship with a loved one.
Life is made up of Moments. Dementia does not change this; these moments become more important with dementia. They are moments of joy, sorrow, care, and faith. So make some hot chocolate in your favorite mug, sit down, breathe, and savor the moment.
Taking a break from building our care team to have a hot chocolate moment.
It is no secret I have a weakness for hot chocolate. It is still my hot beverage of choice, long after my peers switched to a daily coffee habit. So what does hot chocolate have to do with dementia? Everything and nothing at all.
Nothing at all? Our lives do not become some compressed, medical version of ourselves when dementia enters the picture. So moments for play, a treat, or a visit from a loved one, should never become a line item on the care plan or viewed with a medical lens. It should happen just because and enjoyed for the beauty of being in a relationship with a loved one.
Everything? When we engage in the things that make us feel fully alive – no matter what else is going on – we are equipped to live a higher quality of life, wealthy in connection, hope, joy, and community. Food can be a big part of that joy. Engaged in with purpose and community. It is an element of a life fully alive. So while we may have a special program on the calendar for hot chocolate, root beer floats, or ice cream socials, it should be offered with joy and dignity. It should be offered because the people we are serving enjoy that particular treat and we should treat that program like a coffee (or hot chocolate) date with a friend.
As family members when visiting loved ones, from time to time, bringing with you a baked good or something to share together can break the uncertainty and discomfort that can accompany a visit.
Make it social. Make it of quality. Make it human. Connect over a shared treat, engage in conversation (not only service) and allow the real emotions and conversations to ebb and flow the way a time spent with an old friend.
Cheers to Friday! Find a moment to enjoy life with loved ones and those you care for this day.
