Category: News

In uncertainty, focusing on life in the moment, staying in touch and remaining grateful can lead us to peace I have talked with a handful of people in their 90s who have told me a similar and remarkable thing about their lives. What these people have told me about their lives is enviable in a…

Memory Loss: Recognizing Family & Friends “Whether that person can instantly recognize you is less important than your companionship in that moment.” People with dementia forget things. No big news there. They forget little things, such as where they put their hairbrush or what they had for lunch. But they also forget bigger things. This…

The last World War II combat veteran that I know passed away a few weeks ago. Like many war veterans, Mel did not talk much about the war for most of his life. But, like many, he started talking about his experiences during the last few years.  Mel’s Stories and Talking with Family The stories…

Remembering Christmas traditions, and how we adapt when a family member has dementia Growing up, my family had its own unique Christmas traditions. The holiday really began on Christmas Eve, though as a kid the anticipation started much sooner. We always went to a Candlelight Christmas Eve service. After the service, we’d return home for…

What do you hope for your loved one with dementia? I talk to so many families of people with dementia. Often these conversations involve some reminiscing about a person’s life. These conversations often speak to the moment: How things are going right now? What do they see in their loved one? What do I see…

So many losses. People with dementia and their loved ones often have loss after loss.  Mourning each loss as dementia progresses I was speaking with a family member the other day and had a conversation like many I have had before. This woman’s husband, who was of our residents, died recently. She said that while…

How care for those with dementia is uniquely personalized and carefully designed Memory loss is not a static event, so memory care shouldn’t be either. We offer a unique approach to the changing needs of those in our care. Three levels of care are provided in uniquely-designed houses, so programs and services are specifically attuned…

Visits to memory care with children can be beneficial and enjoyable for all It comes as no surprise to many of you that young children are often a joy to those with memory loss. I occasionally will bring one of my children with me to work. I have children ages 11, 5, and 3. They…

Launched in 2009 with a mission to better support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, the ACT on Alzheimer’s works with health care providers, community members, government officials, caregivers, those with Alzheimer’s, and local businesses to create a support system. The Hopkins chapter of ACT on Alzheimer’s is committed to supporting those who live…

I have the pleasure of being able to be lead worship many times a week for adults with dementia.  It is truly a pleasure and honor.  As with many things, there are times when it seems like a chore but generally I greatly enjoy this time. As is also true with many things, I notice…