Building Sensational Relationships: Understand, Connect, Engage
What is dementia? What is sensory? Learn about factors that influence experience and behavior, including dementia-related brain changes, environmental inputs, and a person’s unique sensory profile.
Create trust and build positive rapport using emotional and sensory regulating strategies for successful interaction. Learn how to intentionally approach people so they feel safe, welcome, and cared for.
Do the things that bring joy to life. Create accessible opportunities to engage in meaningful, sensory-rich activities. Optimize health, well-being, and participation in life.
Are you trying to think of a gift idea for a person in your life living with dementia? Experience gifts are always my go-to. This includes something a person can do with others that is fun, relaxing, and/or adventurous. Experience gifts create opportunities for building connection and boosting those feel-good endorphins that support a person’s […]
The holidays can be tough for people with sensory processing differences, including adults with dementia. There are often changes to the daily routine, transitions in and out of less familiar spaces, crowded rooms, bright lights, and loud sounds. When people are more sensitive to sensory input, their system can become overloaded and dysregulated faster. Here […]
When I first started working in dementia care, I tried to absorb as much information as I could by attending continuing education courses, searching for current evidence, collaborating with my colleagues, listening to podcasts, and reading. I share 3 books that influenced my work as a dementia care partner and occupational therapist. Certainly, this list […]
Using the hands to mix, squish, pull, knead, squeeze, stretch, and roll is one way to provide the body with deep pressure input that can be very calming and organizing. Touch is beneficial for people of all ages. Firstly, touch input helps people understand their surroundings. Secondly, it helps a person feel secure in their […]
Have you ever been startled by the sound of a smoke detector, fire truck siren, or your morning alarm clock? Was there a highway accident during your commute that caused a major delay? Do you feel nervous when trying a new food or doing an unfamiliar activity? Humans thrive and feel safer with a certain […]