Dementia Family Pathways

01/12/2026

“Home” is someplace familiar; someplace with familiar sounds, music, smells, tastes, sights, photographs, fabrics, blankets, furniture and people.
You can create “home” by bringing as many of the familiar items wherever she is today and by having a Memory Book to help her tell her stories. 🏠

10/22/2025

If ever I’m living with dementia (brain failure), I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live and do the following:
1. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom. It’s ___.”
NEVER ask, “Do you know who I am?”That will cause me anxiety. I want you to do everything you can to decrease my stress.
2. I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. Go with my flow.
3. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.
4. Don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
5. If I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me. I’m doing the best I can. Don’t embarrass me.
6. If I can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet and see if I can still feed myself. If you want to help, use hand-under-hand so I feel as if Im feeding myself .
7. If I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
8. I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
9. If I appear to still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed, help me find a way to do those things. I might do things differently, but help me do those things anyway (such as exercising, reading and visiting with friends).
10. Ask me to tell you a story from my past and refer to that story when I seem anxious. Remember my stories for me and use photos to help me remember my stories, too.
11. If I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me. Perhaps I have unmet needs but can no longer explain what my needs are.
12. Treat me the way you would want to be treated if you were living with brain failure. It can happen to anyone.
13. Make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. If I get hungry I might get angry but be unable to explain why.
14. Don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room. I’m living with brain failure but I’m still here.
15. Don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.
16. If I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.
17. Don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault. I’m living with brain failure. Imagine how frustrated I am that I can no remember things clearly.
18. Make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot. If I start to sing, encourage me - even if my voice is off key.
19. If I pick up items and carry them around, allow me to do so (if safe). Then return those items to their original place later.
20. Include me in parties and family gatherings, especially the holidays.
21. Know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.
22. Remember that I am still the person you know and love. I am living with brain failure and that changes everything.

ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀsᴛᴇ in Honor of someone you know or knew who has/had dementia.

In Honor of all those I know, love and lost to Dementia. Alzheimer’s is the best known form of dementia but there are 80 different types of dementia.

For a free dementia training go to:
www.DementiaSOS.com

10/15/2025

10/13/2025

With Teepa Snow – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

10/11/2025

Love this. ♥️

08/24/2025

If you have questions about dementia, go to my website for a free dementia training. Free handouts sent to your email. Bee 🐝 Dementia Friendly. Learn strategies to use and strategies to avoid from Teepa Snow, dementia expert and educator.
TeepaSnow.com

If you have questions about what to do if you see a senior who appears lost, check out the app that helped one person reunite a woman living with dementia and her family.

https://www.dementiasos.com/post/create-a-safety-plan-for-people-living-with-dementia-who-wander

Create a Safety Plan for people at risk for getting lost - including people living with dementia.

06/20/2025

https://www.dementiasos.com/post/their-way-doing-things-the-way-people-living-with-dementia-have-always-done-things

Care partners and healthcare providers can save time and decrease difficult behaviors by doing things THEIR WAY during ADLs.

06/20/2025

05/30/2025

Dementia care experts and educators use a positive physical approach and effective strategies to change resistance to cooperation. The Baker Act was created...