Category: Blog

Perhaps one of the most challenging moments to witness in dementia care facilities is when a person living with dementia refuses the care and support being offered to them. Whether you’re visiting a loved one or watching another family undergo this difficult instance, it can be unsettling. If your loved one has started to refuse…

Sensory stimulation is described as the activation of one or more of the five senses – sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. This is important for those living with dementia, as the progression of the condition can impact the brain’s ability to process each sense.  Fortunately, practicing sensory stimulation can engage a person living with…

According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. Due to the rapidly aging population, that number is expected to double by the year 2050. Unfortunately, the vast majority of families impacted by dementia navigate this care journey alone, without any educational tools, resources, or support. If you are…

When James Lee, the CEO and co-founder of Bella Groves, visited Margaret in her long-term nursing facility, he was met with a shocking greeting. “I’m mistreated here,” Margaret said to James. “They don’t listen to me. I’m left alone in my room because they don’t want to deal with me.” Abuse in memory care facilities…

If someone you love is living with dementia, planning a trip may be at the bottom of your to-do list. When you factor in the nuances of dementia care, routines, and safety, traveling might seem like a daunting challenge. However, life doesn’t (and shouldn’t!) stop due to a dementia diagnosis.  While your parent or loved…

When a parent or family member is diagnosed with dementia, stepping up as a care partner is brave, selfless, and rewarding, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Caring for a loved one can be mentally and physically exhausting, and dementia care can also be an isolating experience. During these moments, it’s important to remember that…

Pets can provide unconditional joy, engagement, and companionship, but several health benefits also come with interacting with animals. For example, taking a dog on regular walks or playing fetch can keep you active and moving.  Fortunately, you don’t have to be a pet owner to reap these health benefits. Pet therapy or “animal-assisted therapy is…

As dementia progresses, it starts to impact a person’s daily life and independence. Cognitive decline – the loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning – is the most well-known symptom of dementia that many associate with memories or communication. However, as dementia reaches later stages, a person may also lose the ability to complete basic daily…

When caring for a person living with dementia, caregiver guilt is a common feeling that can arise. Care partners feel as though they aren’t doing enough to support their loved ones, or they feel selfish when they take time for themselves. Feelings like guilt, sadness, or anger can propel us to be the best we…

Dementia is a general term used to describe a variety of symptoms and different conditions that impact cognitive ability, including Alzheimer’s disease. While each form of dementia progresses in a unique, varied way, there are two general models used to describe the stages of dementia that occur throughout the process: The three-stage model The seven-stage…