Archive for: Article
Person-Centered Care
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- Tagged: person-centered care
One day, I was trying to leave the house to teach a class on Person Centered care. I was already late. My Mom who was living with Alzheimer’s, and my (then) 5-year-old were deep into a game of War (4 packs of cards-serious game). I kissed each on the cheek to say “bye”. My daughter asked, “Where are you going?” “To teach a class,” I said. “About what?” asked Mom. I quickly explained what Person-Centered Care is. Too many words, I thought. I probably went too deep for her. My Mom looked confused, “Isn’t that just: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?” My daughter said, “You mean you have to teach people to be nice to each other?” “That’s basically what it is.” I told them. On my way out, I heard Mom say “WAR!” as I closed the door behind me. Drawing by 5-year-old Grace of her and Grandma playing War at the dining room table….
Tagged in: person-centered care
a simple picture
It may seem silly but a simple picture and some arrows may help you out. If you are noticing that the person you care for is starting to look for their room or can’t find where the coffee mugs are, then it may be helpful to put up a few signs to direct them where items are. It can help keep the person independent by using the cues/signs you put up for them. Bathroom? Put up the toilet picture and a couple of arrows to show which way. Coffee mugs or other kitchen items? Put some stickie notes on the cabinets or masking tape. “My Mom is driving me crazy cause she is always opening all the cabinets and slamming them shut when she can’t find what she is looking for.” Okaaaay. Well, put up the stickies. They will help you and them….
Love Your Hair
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- Tagged: acceptance, age, serenity
| Confess I stalked her in the grocery store: her crown of snowy braids held in place by a great silver clip, her erect bearing, radiating tenderness, the way she placed yogurt and avocados in her basket, beaming peace like the North Star.I wanted to ask, “What aisle did you find your serenity in, do you know how to be married for fifty years, or how to live alone, excuse me for interrupting, but you seem to possess some knowledge that makes the earth burn and turn on its axis-“But we don’t request such things from strangers nowadays. So I said, “I love your hair.” ~ Alison Luterman…
Patience
Be patient. Before you speak, take a moment.Know you might have to wait for their response.Find a way to be ok with that.Patience is a skill that will improve all parts of your life and caregiving allows daily practice.You might think you’ll never be patient enough.You will be. One day your ability to be patient will just show up. If you find yourself getting frustrated.Give yourself a time out. Excuse yourself and come back in a moment or two. Be Patient…
Tagged in: patient
Live Deliciously.
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Wear that fancy dress to Target. Use the China plates for pizza. Make yourself a charcuterie board on a Tuesday night. Open that ol’ bottle of bourbon or wine for a sip on a Sunday afternoon. Adopt that senior dog and give her the best years of her life. live deliciously. -KS…