Relationships with pets go far deeper than we understand – even if the pet doesn’t belong to the person.
Category: Activities
Montessori Method for those with dementia may have merit
Abilities changed over time as dementia robbed the bits and pieces of Mama’s brain. We had to be strategic, patient and choose our battles. If she didn’t feel like singing, that was okay, but wearing shoes was a requirement.
Backing up is good for your memory
In this modern, computerized society of ours, warnings and advice about backing up computers and tablets have become fairly common. I had to learn the value of backing up my photos and documents the hard way. It happened back in the 90s when personal computers were becoming more and more popular. I can still remember…
Autumn sights, sounds and smells help trigger memories
I love this time of the year. Autumn, Fall, Holiday season – whatever you call it. Cooling trends begin as days get shorter. Trees begin dressing in their fall finery before decorating the ground with their orange, red and yellow jewels. We recently enjoyed a road trip that took us through several New England states…
Brush your teeth to stay healthy
I remember a time when I was in elementary school that a dentist came to visit our classroom. He brought everyone in the class a new toothbrush. He demonstrated with a model of teeth the correct way to brush. First, we all brushed our teeth. Next, we were then given a little pinkish-red pill to…
Quality of life for loved one benefits everyone
Quality of life rises to a higher priority as options become more and more limited. When we first realized that Mama was beginning to display signs of dementia, our family made the unconscious decision to try to fill her life with as much joy as possible. I say ‘unconscious decision’ because, at that point, we didn’t…
Get a grip to prevent ‘digital dementia’
Have you ever shaken someone’s hand and it felt like a limp noodle? You know the feeling. We’ve all experienced that from time to time. Have you ever wondered what it means?
Bird watching is good for mental health
My husband and I found it a very peaceable thing to watch the birds (as well as squirrels) flit, fly and scamper around in search of their favorite munchies. Watching them, I understood Mama’s fascination with the flitting little flyers as we began watching and learning the habits as well as species of the birds who visited our little backyard feeders.
Do You Hear the Music? Dance!
The biggest surprise of the study was that social interaction of dancing lowered the seniors’ risk of dementia by a staggering 76%. Sorta makes you want to do the happy dance.
Smile For a While and Let’s Be Jolly…
The takeaway here is that smiles might just be the best Christmas gift you can give out all season long…and best of all, they’re free!