Developed by Virginia Bell and David Troxel in the 1990s, the Best Friends Approach aims to nurture connection and respect in relationships. It is founded on the notion that what someone with dementia needs most is a best friend figure – someone who remains loving, empathizes with them, and promotes their dignity. Here are some…
Wandering in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia occurs in three out of five people, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It can result from arising discomfort and fear, or when your loved one is trying to find someone or something. This phenomenon can be dangerous as they can often leave with a…
It can be emotionally draining to have conversations with older adults that have dementia, as it can be uncomfortable when things are incoherent or become inappropriate. Nevertheless, their condition does not change who they are to you, especially if they are your loved ones. Although it can seem daunting at first, it is important to…
Dementia will affect every person differently. Common symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and disorientation are to be expected, while limited coordination and mobility can affect the safety of older adults. The family, friends, and healthcare professionals must be there to help the individual with dementia to feel as safe and secure as possible. Read…
Seeing your loved ones disoriented and making repeated requests to go home can be frustrating for caregivers. Dementia damages parts of the brain, and causes one to experience the world in a vastly different way than before. The phrase “I want to go home” is more often than not a request for comfort and reassurance…
