VIEW ARTICLE October 15, 2026 8:00 am How Fast Does Dementia Progress After a Diagnosis? The amount of concern or fear caused by a dementia diagnosis can’t be understated. When a physician returns with the news, one of the first questions an adult child may ask is, “How long do we have?” It’s a question born of love and the desire to plan and prepare, but it also reflects a […]
VIEW ARTICLE October 1, 2026 8:00 am Why Dementia Care Certifications Matter When It Comes to Quality Care Caring for someone with dementia is a deeply meaningful journey, and having the right skills makes a significant impact. When the older adult in your life receives care from a team that has completed formal dementia care certifications, the difference shows up in small, daily moments. You can see this distinction in many ways: in […]
VIEW ARTICLE September 15, 2026 8:00 am Neuroplasticity Lifestyle Changes for Seniors That Have a Big Impact Although the brain naturally changes with age, many people are surprised to learn that simple lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully improve cognitive function. These adjustments can come from physical, mental, and social activities that keep the brain active and delay age-related decline. Who knew that daily walks or consistent chats with friends or family can affect […]
VIEW ARTICLE May 15, 2025 2:37 pm From Seedling to Support: Growing a Community of Care Care doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every bloom is a web of roots. This blog will focus on building your care network—friends, family, professionals, and support groups. The more support you grow, the more sustainable your care becomes. Whether it’s joining an online support group or scheduling a family check-in call, your connections matter. They […]
VIEW ARTICLE May 8, 2025 2:10 pm 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 […]
VIEW ARTICLE May 1, 2025 5:32 pm 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 […]
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 […]