It’s Apple Season! A time for that idyllic apple orchard photoshoot, apple pie, applesauce, apple crumble, apple cider, and well, just sitting down with some good old eating apples. Memories flood my mind of times of heading over to Star Orchard with my grandma and my parents. Of running into my grandmother’s and being filledContinue reading “Apple Season!”
Tag Archives: Dementia
What Does it Mean to Be An Innovator?
What does it mean to be an innovator? To go out into the unknown and create something that has never been before? It often means creating something from scratch, with no research, no funding, no team already assembled, and to build, brick by brick, outreach by outreach a better world. It means to be creative.Continue reading “What Does it Mean to Be An Innovator?”
Will This Be The Home You Call Me Back To Visit?
Dear Dementia, This family home is slipping through my fingers. The 25 years of shelter and warmth. As I shovel snow, I wonder, “Is this the home that will be the home you call me to visit?”I walk through the rooms and smile as I see memories of the life that we lived. Is thisContinue reading “Will This Be The Home You Call Me Back To Visit?”
If We Caved to Ageism
Collectively we fear aging. So much so, that in recent months a push to talk about ageism has sprung up faster than weeds in the field. Ageism is now in discussion at all ends of the spectrum, and the negative impact of ageism struck me this morning more than it usually does. 18 years agoContinue reading “If We Caved to Ageism”
Re-Evaluating Life Enrichment: Becoming Visionaries
Life Enrichment teams live in the in-between. They are not medical care providers, nor do they fall under “skilled care.” They are not family, yet frequently are seen as such. Though it is a universal trial to keep our care communities and organizations staffed and staffed well, it is especially difficult for the LE teamsContinue reading “Re-Evaluating Life Enrichment: Becoming Visionaries”
Innovation Over Fear
When I think of all that is wrong with aging and dementia care, the list is long, both specific and vague, and quite frankly, overwhelming. I think of how stale this industry has become. How afraid we are of changing what has been even when we know it is not working. We hide behind certificationsContinue reading “Innovation Over Fear”
Next Steps for the Hem of Christ Ministry
Faith can pull us through our struggles, fears, anger, and our sadness. Faith helps us hold onto the light of our joy and successes in times of darkness. As we journey with dementia, our lives continue to experience a range of emotions, trials, and joys, so why does our faith get crossed off the listContinue reading “Next Steps for the Hem of Christ Ministry”
The Damage of Hustle Culture
“Look forward! Just Grind” was the response I received after asking how the past few months have gone for an individual professionally and personally. There is something about that word, “Grind” that grates on me. Yes, we want to work hard, but have we thought about the need for silence, reflection, and slowing down? HaveContinue reading “The Damage of Hustle Culture”
American Girl Doll and Dementia
Who said you can’t bring your fullest self into the care partner relationship? What’s stopping you? My obsession with history and my curiosity about others was ingrained into my DNA and part of my interests long before I picked up my first American Girl Doll. For many of us, the toys we play with andContinue reading “American Girl Doll and Dementia”
January is the Recombobulation Area of the Year
January is the Recombobulatin Area of the year. We go through the excitement, the rush, and sometimes the stress of the holidays and find ourselves on the other side of the season needing to put ourselves back together, clear our heads, and figure out where we are going next. If you have ever traveled throughContinue reading “January is the Recombobulation Area of the Year”