VIEW ARTICLE April 24, 2025 11:41 pm 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: · […]
VIEW ARTICLE April 16, 2025 3:23 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE April 9, 2025 2:03 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE April 24, 2025 11:41 pm 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: · […]
VIEW ARTICLE April 16, 2025 3:23 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE February 28, 2025 4:15 pm Small Adjustments, Meaningful Moments This February, consider the small adjustments that can make a big impact: Dementia can make the world feel unpredictable and unfamiliar, but with thoughtful, compassionate choices, we can create moments of comfort, connection, and joy. After all, love isn’t measured by what someone remembers—it’s felt in the warmth of the present moment. So, what small […]
VIEW ARTICLE February 25, 2025 9:14 pm A Simple Change for Less Confusion As the evening winds down, they glance at the clock. “What time is it?” they ask. You notice them staring at the hands on the analog clock, a look of uncertainty crossing their face. The numbers, the shifting hands—it all seems to be causing frustration. Realizing this, you make a change. You replace the clock with a […]
VIEW ARTICLE February 19, 2025 9:51 pm A Song from the Past Later that evening, you put on some music while preparing tea. Instead of choosing something random, you select a song from their younger years—perhaps from when they were 18 to 25. A familiar melody fills the room, and you glance over to see their expression change. Maybe their fingers tap against the armrest, or they […]
VIEW ARTICLE February 17, 2025 5:20 pm The Magic of Fresh Air On a particularly sunny afternoon, you suggest stepping outside. You help them into their coat, feeling a bit uncertain—will they enjoy it, or will they want to return inside right away? As you step onto the porch, they take a deep breath. The crisp air, the gentle warmth of the sun, and the sound of […]
VIEW ARTICLE February 13, 2025 3:00 pm A February of Connection: Small Changes, Big Impact February is a month that reminds us of the importance of love, connection, and companionship. For those supporting a loved one with dementia, finding ways to strengthen that bond doesn’t always require grand gestures—sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference. Take a moment to picture this: You’re sitting beside your loved one, […]
VIEW ARTICLE January 14, 2025 3:30 pm Recognize That Your Loved One Is Doing the Best They Can The beginning of the year is a natural time to reflect on our perspectives, especially in caregiving. Living with dementia can be overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones, but keeping in mind that your loved one is doing the best they can with their abilities can bring clarity and peace. When behaviors […]
VIEW ARTICLE November 24, 2021 7:48 am Talking Turkey: Celebrating Thanksgiving With Dementia Breaking bread with loved ones is a special time to make memories together and sitting down for Thanksgiving with dementia can be one of the most memorable meals of the year. If you have a loved one who is living with dementia, you may be concerned about shifts in the family dynamic. Caregivers often experience […]
VIEW ARTICLE March 17, 2020 3:36 pm Caring For Dementia At Home: Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day t’s St. Patrick’s Day and since you’re likely staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, here are a few ways to celebrate. Celebrating holidays can be challenging for seniors living with dementia at home and while they may not celebrate in the same ways as they used to, there are still many creative ways […]
