So Grateful For You

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the time of year when we look at what, and who, we are grateful for. This year has been filled with lots of new faces and experiences and I am so thankful for each and every one of you! I am honored to hear about so many success stories from family members and agencies about utilizing the tools they have learned through presentations, coaching, workshops, etc - but it is each of YOU that made that possible.

Your support in sharing your experiences and knowledge about what you have learned with others is building a more understanding, compassionate community. It is truly a blessing to witness.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Details

RSVP: Call Melisa at

(920) 969-8020

3-Part Series: Making Sense of Memory Loss

The Courtyard at Oshkosh Assisted Living & Memory Care

3851 Jackson St

Oshkosh, WI 54901

Part 1

Can Happy Holidays and Dementia Co-exist?

Monday, Nov 20 from 2-3pm

The holidays bring joy and stress. People living with dementia experience the season quite differently.

Learn how simple adjustments can result in a merrier experience for all.

Part 2

When is Forgetfulness Cause for Concern?

Monday, Nov 27, 2-3pm

Discover the difference between normal age-related memory loss and dementia. Find out more about the causes of memory loss, how to improve memory, and when forgetfulness is something more serious.

Part 3

How to Communicate Better with a Loved One Living with Dementia?

Wednesday, Dec 20, 2-3pm

Good communication is key to meaningful connection. Learn ways to modify your approach and explore new tools to help you improve communication and be a better care partner in the New Year.

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Monthly Memory Café

Join us at the beautiful Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve to make your own nature themed ornament. No creative skills necessary!

Memory Cafe provides a fun, comfortable environment where people with memory loss, along with their caregiver, can relax. engage, and enjoy the company of others on the same journey. No RSVP necessary, we hope to see you there!

Friday, Dec 8th 1-3PM

Barkhausen

2024 Lakeview Dr., Suamico, WI

Supplies are sponsored by Barkhausen.

The FISH Approach:

Don't Argue with Dementia

We've been diving in to the FISH Approach (getting into the water, or stepping into the reality of the person living with dementia), which can reduce communication snags that cause anxiety. This allows us to provide a supporting foundation to start improving the situation instead of causing stress of “being pulled out of the water”.

The past few months we have been looking at a common phrase someone living with dementia may express - "I want to go home". We learned that some of our natural responses may be getting us "stuck in the weeds".

When emotions are high, and frustration rises, we may want to start to argue.

Arguing can increase stress and affect the overall trusting relationship. Even if you are “right”, it will not help the situation.

So what do we do? We apologize and reassure them.

Even if you did nothing wrong, a heartfelt apology can help someone with dementia move forward. After apologizing, we may want to reassure them that they are not alone and that it is important that they feel their needs are being addressed.

"I'm sorry we cannot go home yet..." and "we will figure this out together".

These are two more ways to keep communication open while we find another way to understand the unmet need and to try to respond again.

Ready to Dive-In More?

Now Scheduling Dementia Care Workshops for 2024

Geared towards professional caregivers - this robust training opportunity is our number one request (aside from The FISH Approach)!

Designed to guide care partners in developing an awareness about how brain changes impact people's everyday experiences and how our approach impacts this experience. In these workshops, we explore the role of the care partner in enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia. By building skills specifically to meet the needs of the person we are providing cares with, we enhance the experience for staff and the person living with dementia.

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We Have a New Online Contact Form!

This is a great way to make a referral or request assistance.

Are you wanting to share this knowledge with your employees or a community group? Do you have a loved one you are caring for and looking for more 1:1 support?

Contact Dementia Care Solutions to learn about workshops, presentations, consulting, coaching opportunities, and more!

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