This is presentation and a Podcast that I gave given a number times. Each time I have presented classes the presentation has changed people’s minds about dementia and they had lots of significant questions. I have received great feedback and letters of appreciation in the past so I want to share in on Wandering Lite.
I learned how to meditate years ago as a necessity to keep doing my job. I use this form of meditation to get through the pain in those peak moments. Learning meditation can help you with the pain of stress and you can apply it to sever pain like back pain, (which after three back surgeries I know this pain) arthritis, MS and others. It also known to have great benefits for people with dementia.
Whether we recognize it or not, we are all reflections of each other. This is why you see so many posts about surrounding yourself with good people, or people that you would like to be with, why because their reflections shines on you and you will pick up on it.
It has been 365 days since I learned I had Lewy Body Dementia. Here is a summary of the 10 plus one (with links) of the important things that I have learned in the last year.
Socialization is essential for a person with dementia, but there are things to be careful of.
Music can frame some of our greatest moments, joy, sorrow, love and of course pain and loss. So many emotions can be captured in music. So many things can change with Dementia but music, yes music can still help us find and even remember joy in the morning.
Dealing with a disease like dementia and especially Lewy Body Dementia require getting early attention and diagnosis. The effect of not openly seeking help is self-doubt, depression, inward and outward anger and just plain frustration.
This Process is very personal, it should not be rushed. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone goes through all stages of grief, and certainly not all people go through the stages in the same order. For some people, certain stages may last only hours other much longer. You may find yourself moving back and forth through stages.
This Stage focuses on a deep sense of loss, is felt in varying degrees from person to person. Depression replaces the anger and the attempts at bargaining. With it comes forlorn thoughts of the future, for some feelings of guilt, shame of not doing the things that matter, failure and regret.