The struggle and the decision using Empathy, Humor and Compassion Pamela was living at home with her husband of 60+ years when it became apparent that her forgetfulness was advancing. Neighbors were becoming more concerned when they would see her going for walks in the neighborhood – especially after she fell. Sometimes, the police would…
Couples Living With Dementia
As a senior housing consultant, one of the most difficult requests that I get is from couples, who are “differently-abled” but want to continue living together. In these couples, one spouse has dementia and the other is acting as caregiver. Many of these couples would benefit from moving into a retirement/assisted living community. Regardless, the couple that…
Put on Your Own Facemask First, Before Helping Others
Every flight you have ever taken has begun with this reminder. Such common sense! In case of an emergency you need to be able to help the younger or frailer person next to you and that means taking care of your own oxygen needs first. But everyone needs this reminder because it is so tempting…
A Love Story
By Susan Thaxton It was 3:00 in the afternoon when the call came in. The caller asked me to meet a police officer at a private residence where I would be introduced to Jim. It seems that 85-year-old Jim and his wife, 89-year-old Sarah, were well known to the police department. Sarah had advancing dementia…
The Village Where People Have Dementia – and Fun
[This is a summary of an article appearing in The Guardian newspaper on August 27, 2012. To read the complete article, go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/aug/27/dementia-village-residents-have-fun] In the unassuming small Dutch town of Weesp, half an hour southeast of Amsterdam, you’ll find Hogewey, a pioneering institution that has developed an innovative, humane and apparently affordable way of caring…
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