Deception in dementia care is examined in this article* entitled: Truth, Deception & Consequences. Professionals who work in memory care often are asked questions that are difficult or uncomfortable to answer truthfully. These questions require us to make a choice. While opinions are plentiful, there is a lack of consensus on the topic of deception…
Medication has often been a response to cognitive impairment in seniors in LTCs. When faced with behavioral problems or periods of dementia, numbing the patient makes life easier for the caregiver. In 2021-2022, a preliminary study shows an increase of more than 23% in the use of medication in LTC. This is a direct response…
The Alzheimer Society of Canada published a recent study on Alzheimer’s that is quite disturbing. In Canada, Alzheimer’s disease will affect one million people by 2030. That’s an alarming increase of seniors with dementia and it highlights the importance of adapting care for them. At present, no prevention program is offered. A health care system…
Unpacking Dementia Myths: “It Doesn’t Matter Because They Won’t Remember Anyway.” If you are a memory care professional, you’ve likely heard this expression before. Maybe the thought has even crossed your own mind at some point in your experience providing care for a person with dementia. The idea, of course, is that slip-ups or shortcuts…
Montessori Alzheimer Solution in LTC: Draw on the Past of the Alzheimer’s Resident Mr. Gagnon is an elderly gentleman who has Alzheimer’s disease. He has been living in a long-term care residence for 2 years and wanders the corridors several times a day. Every morning, he gets up very early and leaves his room. Sometimes…
Accepting the new reality will help to preserve harmony in relationships affected by dementia. Embracing the New Reality: Navigating Dementia with Harmony Mrs. Duchesne, who is in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s, often exhibits controlling behaviors, insisting on doing things she perhaps should not, like loading the dishwasher. Her husband, Mr. Duchesne, frequently attempts to…
Disruptive Behaviors – Ever Try Lavender Baths? When it takes three experienced staff members to convince, cajole, and physically coax a resident to take a bath, you know something is not right. Disruptive behaviors can be managed in a better way. After several traumatic bathing sessions with Mrs. Delaney*, the staff and management realized they needed…
Relational Care Can Enrich the Lives of Staff and Residents. Orderlies who work in assisted living and long-term care residences have a tough job. Not only is the work physically and mentally demanding, but they have to walk a fine line because while the ‘job’ must be done, the orderly is actually there to serve…
Learning about the life history of a person with dementia will help you help them. André, a new resident at an assisted living home in Quebec, was lonely and unhappy due to the loss of his wife and difficulties caused by Parkinson’s disease. During a casual visit with André, a staff member asked him about his past….
This is What They Say About Montessori Alzheimer Center Here are just some of the testimonials we’ve received… From a Recreation Professional who recently attended our 12-Hour Intensive Certified Training Program with Director Mark Norris: “Thank you Mark for the Montessori training you provided to our team. I work at an Adult Day Program…
