http://thedementiaqueen.com Blogging about dementia: issues, insight with a dash of humor on the side! Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:33:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://thedementiaqueen.com/2012/01/the-5-most-preventable-problems-in-late-stage-alzheimers-disease/#comment-835 admin Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:33:06 +0000 http://thedementiaqueen.com/?p=712#comment-835 Kim, I would concede that 100% is not realistic, and I want to be responsible with my opinions. So thank you for commenting and reminding me to be careful about what I write in terms of realistic expectations. But I also want to be a voice for someone who can't say "Hey, my rump hurts. Could you roll me over?" I also want family members to know what to watch for and advocate for care that is above the current standard. Frequently precautionary measures like mattress overlays and heelbos and turning schedules are implemented too late, and folks aren't even aware that those measures exist. The "real world" reality is not enough. We need to raise the bar. Kim, I would concede that 100% is not realistic, and I want to be responsible with my opinions. So thank you for commenting and reminding me to be careful about what I write in terms of realistic expectations. But I also want to be a voice for someone who can’t say “Hey, my rump hurts. Could you roll me over?” I also want family members to know what to watch for and advocate for care that is above the current standard. Frequently precautionary measures like mattress overlays and heelbos and turning schedules are implemented too late, and folks aren’t even aware that those measures exist. The “real world” reality is not enough. We need to raise the bar.

]]> http://thedementiaqueen.com/2012/01/the-5-most-preventable-problems-in-late-stage-alzheimers-disease/#comment-834 Kim Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:31:01 +0000 http://thedementiaqueen.com/?p=712#comment-834 Skin breakdown can still occur because of the fragility and frailty of the person and their overall (very poor) health status in the end stages of dementia; it is not always "100% preventable" - comments such as these are not always helpful to family members who are caring for people with dementia. Perhaps right in theory only but not in the real world - if that makes any sense. Skin breakdown can still occur because of the fragility and frailty of the person and their overall (very poor) health status in the end stages of dementia; it is not always “100% preventable” – comments such as these are not always helpful to family members who are caring for people with dementia. Perhaps right in theory only but not in the real world – if that makes any sense.

]]> http://thedementiaqueen.com/2012/01/the-5-most-preventable-problems-in-late-stage-alzheimers-disease/#comment-817 Vicki Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:19:14 +0000 http://thedementiaqueen.com/?p=712#comment-817 Very helpful information -- thanks and keep it coming! Very helpful information — thanks and keep it coming!

]]> http://thedementiaqueen.com/2012/01/the-un-dining-experience/#comment-810 admin Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:31:24 +0000 http://thedementiaqueen.com/?p=690#comment-810 Thanks Vicki... and feel free to shoot me any questions or issues you're struggling with. I'm sure there are many others who share your specific problems. Thanks Vicki… and feel free to shoot me any questions or issues you’re struggling with. I’m sure there are many others who share your specific problems.

]]> http://thedementiaqueen.com/2012/01/the-un-dining-experience/#comment-794 Vicki Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:52:19 +0000 http://thedementiaqueen.com/?p=690#comment-794 The sporting mom turned me on to your blog -- I have a MIL with dementia that we are caring for. Your words about the self feeding and no distractions is something I never thought of -- I will definately be checking back and reading your other posts and using you as a resource! Thanks!! The sporting mom turned me on to your blog — I have a MIL with dementia that we are caring for. Your words about the self feeding and no distractions is something I never thought of — I will definately be checking back and reading your other posts and using you as a resource! Thanks!!

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