“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.” People with dementia are often confronted with what they are no longer able to do or understand. In turn, the Montessori principles are designed to focus on what they are still capable of doing. This person-centered way to approach dementia focuses…
In a few weeks I’ll be visiting Sydney, Australia to attend and teach at the Montessori Environments for Dementia International Conference. In the time leading up to the conference, I thought I would share with you some information about the Montessori philosophy and why it is successful for people who are living with dementia. …
For all of us, not just someone with dementia, the ability to communicate and express our needs is of utmost importance. In order for someone with dementia to have a good relationship with a care partner, healthy and frequent communication is a key ingredient. If your loved one with dementia begins to lose social…
I am pleased to introduce you to Rachel Wynn, MS CCC-SLP is speaker, writer, activist, and speech-language pathologist specializing in geriatric care. I invited her to share some of her thought about about medications and dementia. She blogs at Gray Matter Therapy, which strives to provide information about geriatric care including functional treatment ideas, recent research, and…
I Care by Brush & Mills Wins Award in 2014 National Mature Media Awards Program I Care: A handbook for care partners of people with dementia was a gold medal winner in the 23rd annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for…
During difficult times, it can be hard to think about anything other than what’s going on, but try not to become so consumed by stress that you overshadow your needs for well-being. Try modifying schedule to include time to take care of yourself. Beginning today, carve out some free time for just for YOU. Even…
The Importance of Personalization in Long Term Care Communities By Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP An individual’s possessions represent a lifetime of memories, achievements and activities. It is vital that new residents be allowed to bring some of their favorite and special items of furniture and belongings with them when moving into a residential setting. Care…
Thank you to Martha Stettinius, author of Inside the Dementia Epidemic: A daughter’s memoir, for her thoughtful review.5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading — The Best Description Available of Why It’s Important to be a “Care Partner”, July 1, 2014 By Martha Stettinius This review is from: I Care: A Handbook for Care Partners…
I Care Reviewed By Suzanne Cowles for Readers’ Favorite “I Care: A Handbook for Care Partners of People with Dementia by Jennifer Brush MA and Kerry Mills MPA is an informative medical guide that focuses on the caregiver. The number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and the seven associated dementias is rapidly increasing each…
I am pleased to welcome Melissa Cohn Bernstein, one of our guest bloggers this month. Melissa and I have collaborated on online learning projects together for a number of years. Melissa owns Dynamic Learning Online, an excellent source of continuing education for health care professionals. Thank you Jennifer for inviting us to Guest Blog for…
I am very pleased to introduce you to our guest blogger this week, Kathy Birkett, RDN. Kathy is a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist with over thirty years of experience helping patients, clients and their family members achieve healthy lives through nutrition. She has provided nutrition advice to people in a variety of settings,…
Jennifer Brush, MA,CCC/SLP with Karen Betz Summer holidays, cookouts, and family picnics can be hard on someone who has a swallowing problem. This week I have asked Karen Betz to serve as a guest for our blog. Karen recently started a business called Smoothe Foods. Karen was a caregiver for both of her parents. Her…
