Posts by L.E. Summers
Compassionate Care: Understanding Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and Legal Planning in Dementia Care
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it’s natural to focus first on their safety, daily routines, and emotional well-being. But one of the most essential—and often most overlooked—areas of caregiving is legal planning. Dementia is a progressive condition, which means over time, your loved one will lose the ability to make informed decisions.…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: Why Memory Isn’t the Only Thing Affected by Dementia
When most people hear the word dementia, they think of one thing: memory loss. And while memory problems are often the most obvious—and heartbreaking—early signs, dementia is much more than just forgetting names or dates. Dementia affects the entire brain, which means it can impact judgment, communication, emotions, behavior, physical movement, and even the senses.…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: 10 Small Home Modifications That Make a Big Difference for Dementia Safety
Caring for a loved one with dementia means constantly thinking a few steps ahead—especially when it comes to safety. Dementia can affect memory, judgment, balance, vision, and perception, making everyday objects or layouts unexpectedly risky. The good news? You don’t have to do a complete home remodel to make your loved one’s environment safer and…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: The Role of a Dementia Care Coach—And When You Might Need One
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey filled with emotional weight, unexpected challenges, and constant decision-making. You might find yourself asking questions like: If you’ve ever wished for someone to help guide you through the fog, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly where a Dementia Care Coach can step in. In this post,…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: What I Learned About Myself Through Caring for My Loved One with Dementia
When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, your life begins to shift in ways you never imagined. You don’t just step into the role of caregiver—you become a nurse, advocate, memory-keeper, scheduler, emotional anchor, and so much more. What begins as a response to their needs slowly becomes a process of inner change. Caregiving…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: How to Advocate for Your Loved One at Doctor’s Appointments
When you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, medical appointments can feel overwhelming—for both of you. You may be juggling paperwork, trying to remember symptoms, asking questions, and interpreting answers, all while comforting someone who may feel confused or anxious in a clinical setting. In many ways, you become their voice. Their historian. Their…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: How to Handle Sundowning – Managing Evening Agitation in Dementia Patients
If your loved one with dementia becomes more confused, restless, or agitated in the late afternoon or early evening, you’re not imagining it. This pattern, commonly known as sundowning, affects many people with dementia—often catching caregivers off guard just when they’re winding down from a long day. Sundowning can be emotionally exhausting for both you…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: How Dementia Affects the Brain – A Simple Explanation for Caregivers
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may find yourself asking: Why is this happening? Why can’t they remember? Why do they get so confused or upset? These questions often stem from trying to understand what’s going on inside their brain. You don’t need a medical degree to understand the basics. In…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: What’s New in Dementia Research? Promising Treatments and Breakthroughs
Dementia research has seen remarkable advancements recently, offering hope to millions affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. From novel medications to innovative diagnostic tools, the landscape of dementia care is evolving rapidly. Here’s an overview of the latest developments: 🧪 FDA Approvals of New Treatments Donanemab (Kisunla): In July 2024, the U.S. Food and…
Read MoreCompassionate Care: Understanding the Stages of Dementia and How to Adapt Care at Each Phase
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, one of the biggest questions families face is: What comes next? Dementia is not a straight path—it unfolds in stages, often slowly, sometimes unpredictably. Each phase brings new challenges, and understanding these changes can help you respond with greater compassion, patience, and preparedness. In this post, we’ll…
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