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Whether dementia is referred to as a public health issue, priority, or crisis, the urgent need for communities globally in creating dementia-capable systems is at a critical point.
I mentioned my grandmother briefly in my last post and I would love to share more about her! Her name was Mildred and this year she would have celebrated her 101st year around the sun. She was was the pillar of our family and barrel of fun! I can see her infectious smile now, dancing in the kitchen singing "If I'd known you were coming, I would've baked you a cake"! Most of my memories of grandmama Mildred involve her journey living with dementia. She taught our family so much in the 8+ years she lived with dementia. Her sense of humor never ceased and was a critical piece in allowing grace to shine bright through it all. And boy did we need grace - we didn't always get it right. That's life.
Innovative programming for persons living with Dementia is taking a significant step forward.
Reading2Connect is an integrated reading program for persons with cognitive changes. Adapted books help them to express their individuality, recall their pasts, share humor, and emotionally connect with peers, family, and caregivers.
The ability to read is automatic and often remains to some degree functional even in the later stages of dementia.
Specially designed books break through the barriers to reading, sparking older adults with dementia abilities to reflect, remember, learn, and express themselves.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid commissioned a study with residents in 40 nursing homes about the meaning of quality
of life. Independence, positive self-image and purposeful activities that produce or teach something ranked high on the list.
This month we observed Grandparent's Day. In the media, there have been stories and videos of families connecting with their loved ones both virtually and in-person, although with masks and socially distanced.
