Resources
Content with Topic Dementia .
Resources
Challenging the Stigma of Dementia
Dementia is a condition that affects millions of individuals and their families around the world. Yet, despite its prevalence, dementia remains overwhelmed in stigma and misunderstanding. In pop culture, dementia is often used as a punchline, or even an insult against older public figures. In day-to-day life, people who encounter individuals with dementia may become annoyed and frustrated, and try to avoid the situation, even if the individual needs help. The stigma can also affect caregivers: if a loved one with dementia is exhibiting strange or socially inappropriate behavior in public, for example, people may blame the caregiver for not “controlling” their loved one or make the caregiver feel ashamed or embarrassed.
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The Power of Memory Cafés for Dementia Care
Most communities have plenty of gathering spaces available for people to meet up, chat, share a meal and take a break in a relaxing, supportive environment. But for people with dementia and their caregivers, finding a truly safe space out in the community can be a lot more challenging. Due to stigma and lack of knowledge, many people in the general public aren’t sure how to interact with someone with dementia, and even business owners may be at a loss to handle a situation where someone with dementia is distressed, or struggles to make a purchase. Aware of these challenges, caregivers may hesitate to bring a loved one into the community, unintentionally putting them at risk of social isolation.
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Living Well with Dementia: An Inclusive Guide for Libraries and Communities
The library, a community gathering and learning place that serves people at all stages of life’s journey, plays a vital role in helping individuals live well with dementia. The new free resource from the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, The Dementia Inclusive Public Library Guide, provides a roadmap and practical tools for libraries and other community organizations to unite with fellow Ohioans in reshaping the narrative surrounding dementia to one of engaged community living.
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Navigating Hospice Care for Loved Ones with Dementia in the End Stages
Dementia is often described as “the long goodbye,” as those with the condition tend to live with it for many years before reaching the advanced stages. This prolonged journey can leave caregivers wondering when they should begin to consider transitioning their loved one to hospice care.
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Pain Management for Older Adults with Dementia
Just like most other older adults, people with Alzheimer’s and related types of dementia suffer from headaches, stomachaches, toothaches, muscle cramps and other painful conditions that are an uncomfortable part of the aging process. However, an older person with memory loss who suffers from chronic pain may not be able to tell their caregiver how they feel or ask for help to relieve their discomfort. Instead, they may communicate their distress through other means, such as becoming agitated or crying, which their caregiver may not understand how to interpret or address.
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