Loss of Independence with Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia: Alzheimer’s disease is a cognitive disorder that can significantly affect the independence of seniors. As it advances, cognitive abilities typically decline, leading to a loss of independence with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. This reduced independence is frequently caused by cognitive function decline, which…
The Value of Doing Adapted Activities: Adapted activities work wonders. They meet a basic need that allows you to have daily goals. Why would I want to shower if I don’t have anything to do in my day? Doing activities contributes to a sense of identity. Playing a social role is a human need. This…
Meaningful Activities Improve Residents’ Lives We recently wrapped up a certified adapted Montessori training session with a wonderful group of people from the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. What an engaged group! The passion for their work was evident right from the start. And we see how they work to improve residents’ lives….
The Arrival of Baby Boomers in Senior Care: Residences, Assisted Living Centers and Long-Term Care Centers. The aged population is growing and the arrival of Baby Boomers in senior care – residences, Assisted Living centers and LTC’s – is going to be expensive and it’s going to put a big strain on the industry. According…
Caregivers and People with Dementia. When the adapted Montessori method is being used the rewards are plentiful for everyone involved…caregivers and people with dementia. A person with Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia, is treated with respect, dignity and equality. They get to live the best life they can despite their diagnosis. They…
Making the decision to place a loved one in a retirement home is not easy. For the caregiver, it can feel like a failure. However, it is often a decision that will allow for better care of the person who needs it and allows the carer to have much deserved periods of rest. But…
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…
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….
Dementia Care The Montessori method adapted for the cognitively impaired – a method based on rehabilitation and adaptive techniques – provides the nexus between the perception of the person living with dementia and the reality of that person. Recognizing the whole person and working to bring out the very best in them is what helps…
