Take a moment

As we all continue to have the privilege of interacting and serving many others, taking the time to pause and really explore the lives of those that we serve can be challenging. In the near future, I challenge you to complete the following exercise:

Take a moment and watch a person with dementia. Watch their downward gaze, their attempts at interaction, their movements, their affect. It doesn’t matter how long you have been caring for persons with dementia, it is essential to stop and really watch them. Don’t just watch for a few minutes, watch for at least 30 minutes. It’s 30 minutes that could change everything.

It never gets old for me. I hope it makes me a better caregiver and advocate…….but it takes stopping, really stopping, and looking. Watch. “An expert is only as good as the knowledge of their subject.”

Resource: Virtual Dementia Tour