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Finding My Way In Caregiving For A Parent With Alzheimer's
Learn how a Dementia Doula can help you through the difficulties of caregiving.
shawneecanjura
Nov 21, 20254 min read


Finally: An Entertainment Solution For People With Dementia
The Jubilee TV: A Must-Have Solution for Dementia Care Author's Note: This is *not** a paid advertisement and I **do not **receive commissions for purchases.* Understanding the Challenges of Dementia Care Caring for someone with dementia can feel like a rollercoaster ride. It’s full of ups and downs that can leave caregivers feeling both elated and exhausted. One of the most challenging aspects of this journey is managing the mood swings that can arise unexpectedly. These swi
Shawnee Canjura
Oct 2, 20253 min read


Understanding Dementia Patients: What It Means When They Say 'I Want to Go Home'
One of the most common and confusing experiences for dementia caregivers is hearing a loved one repeatedly say: "I want to go home." What makes this especially frustrating is that many dementia patients say they want to go home when they are already home. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Why does my loved one with dementia keep asking to go home?" you're not alone. The good news is that when a person with dementia says they want to go home, they usually aren't talkin
Shawnee Canjura
Sep 30, 20254 min read


Understanding Eating Challenges in Dementia: Tips for Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia can present many challenges, especially when it comes to eating. It can be hard to understand why a person with dementia (including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal, Vascular, etc.) is eating less. Changes in habits and a loss of interest in favorite foods can turn mealtime from a pleasant bonding experience into a stressful challenge. This article provides easy tips to help you navigate these common issues. Understand How Dementia Affects the Brai
Shawnee Canjura
May 21, 20253 min read


When To Take Away The Keys: When And How To Stop A Person With Dementia From Driving
One of the most challenging moments in the caregiver experience is deciding when and how to stop a loved one with dementia from driving. First comes the doubt, "Maybe I'm being too hasty. Maybe they're right and they are still safe to drive". Then comes one small piece of evidence after another that slowly urge you to make the tough choice but once that choice is made, now you have to decide how to do it: Is it a conversation? Can someone else do it for me? Do I do it even if
Shawnee Canjura
Jan 28, 20256 min read


Finding Peace in the Unknown: Navigating Grief as a Caregiver for Dementia Patients
Caring for someone with dementia can feel like riding a roller coaster of emotions. The ups, downs, and unexpected twists make this journey particularly challenging. As caregivers, we do more than fulfill daily needs; we navigate our own grief as we witness the gradual changes in our loved ones. This post offers insights on how acceptance, self-awareness, and patience can help us handle these complex feelings while providing care. Understanding the Grief of Caregiving Grief i
Shawnee Canjura
Jan 24, 20254 min read


Menopause As A Window For Intervention - Alzheimer’s Develops Earlier In Women Than It Does In Men (We Should Have Known This Sooner)
Women's worth does not decrease with age, and the more we learn about women's health, the stronger and healthier we will be. Before 1993, clinical studies were not required to include women. In fact, they usually specifically excluded them. If this hadn't been the case, we probably would have discovered that Alzheimer's develops in women decades earlier than it does in men. We most likely would have learned of the correlation between menopause and the onset of brain changes w
Shawnee Canjura
Jan 22, 20253 min read


The 6 Biggest Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatment Made in 2024
As we head into 2025 let's take a moment to appreciate the many advances in dementia and Alzheimer's treatment that were made in 2024. With each year, and each day, increased understanding of this condition emerges and that in turn leads to faster diagnoses and more effective treatments. If you're having a rough time feeling optimistic about the future, I hope the achievements below help you see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and there is reason for hope. 1. A n
shawneecanjura
Jan 9, 20254 min read


5 Tips For Handling Arguments With Alzheimer's Patients
Shawnee Canjura, The Dementia Doula One of the hardest parts of being a caregiver or loved one to a person with Alzheimer's is de-escalating situations. It's hard to keep them calm and sometimes it's even harder to keep yourself calm but that's exactly what is needed in order to prevent the argument from turning into an angry or violent outburst. Read below for some of the top techniques for preventing or de-escalating arguments with someone with Alzheimer's. Be their ally Th
shawneecanjura
Jan 7, 20253 min read


I Have Alzheimer's, Now What? Coping with an Alzheimer's diagnosis
An Alzheimer's diagnosis can leave you feeling scared and alone but the truth is that there is still plenty of reason for hope If you've recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and are feeling lost and hopeless, read below for the 5 steps you can take to get back control of your future and feel open minded about what's to come. Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's is overwhelming and frightening. The key to coping with an Alzheimer's diagnosis is understanding that you still h
shawneecanjura
Jan 6, 20255 min read


5 Tips For Handling Arguments With Dementia Patients
5 essential dementia caregiver tips to managing angry outbursts
shawneecanjura
Dec 31, 20243 min read
5 Ways to Provide Holistic Care for Your Loved One with Alzheimer's: Tips from Experienced Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be a challenging journey. As a caregiver, it's natural to want to provide the best care possible for your loved one. While traditional methods are essential, incorporating holistic approaches can enhance the quality of life for both you and your loved one. Here are 10 unexpected ways to provide holistic care for your loved one with Alzheimer's, shared by experienced caregivers: 1. Engage in Music Therapy Music can have a profound im
shawneecanjura
Oct 2, 20242 min read


Creating Comfort and Hope: Dementia Doula Services Nationwide
In recent years, the importance of emotional support and guidance for individuals with dementia and their caregivers has been increasingly recognized. This is where dementia doula services come in, providing a unique and compassionate approach to aiding those on the dementia journey. One such service, based in Hawaii but serving clients nationwide, is paving the way in creating comfort and hope for those affected by dementia. With a focus on offering personalized and compassi
shawneecanjura
Sep 7, 20242 min read


Personalized Support and Advocacy for Dementia and Alzheimer's Care
When faced with the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer's, having personalized support and advocacy can make all the difference in the world. This is where "The Dementia Doula" comes in, a unique service that serves as a guide and source of comfort for both patients and caregivers on this difficult journey. Founded by someone with firsthand experience as a caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer's, "The Dementia Doula" understands the emotional toll and complexities that com
shawneecanjura
Sep 7, 20241 min read


Compassionate Dementia Doula Service for Patients and Caregivers
In a world where the focus is often on the challenges and hardships of dementia, Dementia Doulas provide a beacon of positivity and support.
shawneecanjura
Sep 7, 20242 min read
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