Bloom Where You’re Planted: Creating Joy in Everyday Spaces
A hallway, a couch, a kitchen—these are not just places. They are opportunities. This blog will explore how to create engaging moments in ordinary spaces using conversation starters, sensory cues, and personal objects. The home can be filled with purposeful activities that make each day meaningful. Sit in the kitchen and share the smell of […]
May Blossoms: Celebrating Small Wins in Dementia Care
May is here, and with it, the blooms of our early-season efforts. It’s time to celebrate the small victories: a shared laugh, a peaceful meal, a calm transition. These are the flowers of dementia care, and they are just as worthy of celebration as the big milestones. Sometimes we overlook progress because it doesn’t look […]
Planting the Future: Using Lifestyle Medicine to Sow Wellness
Before May’s blooms, we need to plant intentionally. Lifestyle approaches—nutrition, movement, sleep, social connection, and sensory stimulation—are seeds that make a real difference in quality of life. These are not just buzzwords; they are evidence-based strategies that help treat the symptoms of dementia. At CERTUS, these principles come to life through the SPIN® model: · […]
Rainy Days, Reflective Moments: Caregiver Growth Through Challenges
April’s rains can feel heavy, much like the emotional toll of caregiving. But these rainy moments hold deep purpose. They encourage us to stop, reflect, and grow. Caregiving isn’t always graceful, and that’s okay. Growth happens in the discomfort too. One helpful framework is the COACH approach: · Connect authentically · Observe mindfully · Act […]
Feeding the Roots: The Role of Gentle Conversations
Conversations are like nutrients to the roots of dementia care. April is a great time to reflect on how we speak and what we say. The questions we ask can either build connection or unintentionally cause confusion or shame. This month, try to avoid memory-based questions and instead offer sensory or visual cues. Create connection […]
April Showers of Knowledge: Watering the Seeds of Dementia Care
In dementia care, April is the month we water the seeds—learning, unlearning, and growing in understanding. Like a garden needs consistent rain, great care needs consistent reflection and education. Every insight we gain—whether from a loved one’s changing behavior or a new piece of research—is a drop of water feeding our ability to offer person-centered, […]
Hearing & Dementia
Hearing is an essential link to the world around us. For someone with dementia, untreated hearing loss can intensify confusion, frustration, and social withdrawal. When sounds are unclear or conversations are missed, it becomes harder to stay involved, leading to potential isolation. Encouraging regular hearing tests and making sure hearing aids are in good working […]
Space & Dementia
Exploration and discovery can play a significant role in helping someone with dementia feel engaged and purposeful. When environments are limited to tight hallways or confined spaces, residents may experience boredom, agitation, or anxiety. By providing areas like a Town Center, where people can walk, socialize, and safely explore different stations, we encourage healthy mental […]
Familiar & Simple Environments
Think about how comforting it is to walk into a space that just “makes sense.” For a person with dementia, familiar sights and arrangements help lower anxiety and promote a sense of security. This is why carefully chosen furniture, predictable layouts, and clear signage can make daily life more manageable. The fewer distractions or complex […]
Vision & Dementia
Clear vision can significantly reduce confusion and restlessness for someone with dementia. When a person’s surroundings appear blurry or distorted, it can heighten anxiety and contribute to disorientation. Regular eye exams and well-fitting glasses are practical ways to help individuals feel more secure and aware of what’s around them. In addition to ensuring the correct […]
