Meaningful Connections: Positive Ways To Be Together When A Loved One Has Dementia

This book helps family caregivers and other care partners find new ways to engage and have meaningful connections with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Suggestions, ideas, and case examples and presented throughout the book to help caregivers have more positive visits. Chapters and content include: -Description of the dementia abilities continuum, a simple tool which helps caregivers assess their loved one’s cognitive abilities in order to determine the best ways to engage in more meaningful ways. -Tips to create ‘person-centered’ ways of engaging using past hobbies, interests, and passions, which can stimulate memory and positive emotions. Each category contains different types of activities, ideas, and items that can be used when visiting.- How to create ‘Grab & Go Activity Boxes, ’ which are a collection of items based upon a loved one’s interests and can be a great way to connect with a loved one.- Practical tips on the best ways to visit, and on how to handle challenging situations, such as when a loved one is agitated, restless, distracted or asks to go home. - Recommendations on how to adapt activities as your loved one’s cognitive abilities decline. - Suggestions on how to cope with the difficult feelings, such as guilt, anger and sadness, as well as how to be with your loved one at the end of life.