The Stash Dauber: talking alzheimer's

Monday, December 08, 2008

my big sis sent me this nyt article about a new approach to dealing with folks suffering from dementia.

Anonymous said...: I LOVED this article. I also have a similar philosophy that I called "The Gift of Rightness". People with dementia have to work so hard trying to figure out what is going on, where they are, and what is the right thing to do next. They are constantly working to the limit of their abilities just to function in the moment, and then we well-meaning caregivers push them over the edge by repeatedly contradicting what their damaged brains are telling them.

It is so much easier for everyone and such a gift to figure out what the intention behind their communication is and respond to that instead of focusing on what is literally said. Who cares if your mother thinks she's your sister instead of who you actually are? She is recognizing you as a loved family member - so she's right about that.

Apparently I could go on for 1000 words about this, so I'll spare everyone that. LOL. But great article!; 5:12 PM

The Stash Dauber