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 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 March 24, 2025 5:54 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE March 10, 2025 5:29 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE March 4, 2025 9:11 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE September 29, 2020 9:00 am Is It Time To Move Mom And/or Dad To Senior Care? What To Do When You Say “Yes” & They Say “No” Most seniors want to age in place within the comfort of their home and tend not to be interested on moving to a senior care facility. This might be an ideal situation for many seniors but for someone with dementia, the home may become […]
VIEW ARTICLE September 4, 2018 1:47 pm What Is Non-pharmacological? The term Non-pharmacological is a fancy word for non-medical. Non-pharmacological interventions to dementia, such as using a research-based design that can foster independence may be the right option for your loved one. Another example of a Non-pharmacological approach is use of programming that utilizes social, physical, intellectual, and nutritional engagement. Non-pharmacological interventions often focus on […]
VIEW ARTICLE August 1, 2018 12:59 pm Brain Health & Neuroplasticity The brain is made up of over 100 billion neurons. Some research even says, we know more about space than we do about our own brain! Many people have heard the myth that we only use 10% of our brains. Research suggests that we use 100%; however, this misconception comes from the idea that we […]
VIEW ARTICLE July 3, 2018 9:48 pm The Importance Of Independence In Dementia Care As we age, we all strive to stay independent. This is no different for a person with dementia. Our ability to keep our independence encourages dignity, self-worth, freedom, and so much more. Many people think that once a person is diagnosed with dementia they lose their independence. However, this is not always the case. As […]
