Sound DisOrientation as Dementia Symptom
For many years alarms were wonderful tools to meet needs … but this year? … I think I have progressed past their usefulness. grr-r-r-r !! … multiple other intensified symptoms in past couple weeks 😦
For many years alarms were wonderful tools to meet needs … but this year? … I think I have progressed past their usefulness. grr-r-r-r !! … multiple other intensified symptoms in past couple weeks 😦
… getting ready for the day can consume much more time and energy than we or our loved ones are prepared for …
I was asked to think about what phrases and actions leave Persons With Dementia symptoms feeling left out. … Includes: Phrases that exaggerate my symptoms, Phrases that minimize (invalidate) my symptoms, Phrases that ignore my symptoms, Phrases that minimize (or ignore) my life-expectations, Actions that exaggerate my symptoms, Actions that ignore my symptoms, and Actions that exaggerate my “different-ness” or “alone-ness”.
All of these situations involve showing respect, embracing who the person is, and meeting them at their varied ability levels (because some aspects of abilities are still very high, and some quite low).
We all change – but we do not become a different person. The facets of our character are differently reflected with the changing phases, abilities, frustrations, angers and fears, but we are at our basic essence the SAME person – with different aspects emphasized.
I am beginning to eliminate the “PWD” label from by own vocabulary.
I will NOT go to each one of my friends who have dementia symptoms with the need to discuss diagnosis issues, especially with the recent changes is terminology and definitions. Instead I will attempt to change my own phrasing, titles, and pictures, in both blog and newsletter, with efforts to minimize misunderstandings. But this will take time, so please show patience, but also do not be surprised at the changes.
So far this month I have posted pages from the following persons with dementia SYMPTOMS who have shared their lived experience: Cecil Ristow, David Kramer, Harry Urban, Janet Pitts, Kevin Smiley and Max McCormick. Thank you so very much for your generosity of letting the public into your private world ! My hope is that your words can be applied to help and encourage other patients, care-partners, and professionals.
Tru here. Recently returned from three weeks of overnight stays at various places, and I was asked for suggestions. Flooring: Highest priority was carpeting. Most places we stayed did not create feeling of disorientation from pattern of the carpet, but one place did. Every time I stepped out of the door to our room I was […]
Due to some recent events, my lack of confirmation for dementia diagnosis has become an issue.
Thought I would re-post my previous blog on the subject, just to make sure there are no current misunderstandings (and for my many new friends). Current status is STILL pending. Have had two specialist appointments in past 4 months, and 2 more appointments are currently scheduled.
A discussion of my own goals … while living with dementia symptoms.
Habit and schedule are important safety elements in dementia patient’s ability to complete activities of daily living. In unusual circumstances habit and schedule are interrupted. Food for thought in a true natural disaster.
This Dementia Trail is a very bumpy trail with tangles of thistles!! As we go, we can sign-post some of the dangers for those following behind, and I think that is what we do with our writings. Coaches & on-lookers can observe and assist, but we on the Dementia Trail itself have a unique perspective. Someday there will be a cure, and we hope the trail will not last long enough to become a well-worn path. But in the meantime … Thank you, Harry, for continuing to shine the light on your path, in order for us to better see our own paths.