Listening to Their Words, Hearing With Our Hearts

While caregivers all have good intentions, we sometimes find ourselves listening only half-heartedly. All too often we’re doing a hundred other things, or our mind is elsewhere when we should be actively listening. We hear what a loved one is saying but are not consciously listening with the purpose of understanding. Be authentically interested. Actively…

Mindfulness, Meditation and Dementia

Mindfulness and meditation are two effective techniques for reducing stress associated with caring for a loved-one with dementia. Although each of these are shown to be effective stress-reducing activities, UCLA researchers found even greater health benefits to caregivers when these two skills are combined. Various studies indicate that practicing mindful meditation improves both emotional and…

DIRM: An Effective Technique for Coping with Daily Challenges of Dementia

Using the principles of DIRM can greatly minimize or even prevent many of the upsets and frustrations that caregiver’s encounter each and every day. Very simply, DIRM is an acronym for “Does It Really Matter?” And, if one takes the time to ask this essential question, before reacting or responding, they find the answer is…

Compassionate Communication – Learning a Language of Dignity

When someone has dementia, their language skills are impaired, making communication challenging for everyone concerned. In order to help them maintain their dignity and minimize stress, it is essential that caregivers learn to speak differently than they always did in the past. It is truly like learning a new language. Good communication skills and guidelines…