I have spent many hours in the months since September when Mitzi died talking with people who are walking through dementia and Alzheimer’s themselves or alongside a loved one who has been diagnosed. I’ve talked with them via the phone, email, and in person. Ask anyone who knows me and they will affirm I’m not a “go grab coffee” kind of person, but I’ve even learned to like coffee!
It never fails that they will mention some very hard thing that they are dealing with. After listening, I have just about ALWAYS asked if they have ever heard of Teepa Snow. Teepa has dedicated her life to creating a teachable method of dealing with dementia with understanding, dignity, and compassion (not to mention a healthy dose of humor). She is the face of her company called Positive Approach to Care (PAC) and she gives away so much of her invaluable knowledge for free through her website, social media, and YouTube channels. Chances are, if there is a difficult issue someone is trying to work through with their loved one, Teepa has addressed it. She is also working diligently to get more and more people and facilities trained in this method. PAC’s motto is so spot on since there is no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s or dementia, so “Until There’s A Cure, There’s Care”.
I spent last night on a call for nearly an hour with someone whose spouse was diagnosed just a year ago. And a call earlier in the day with a family member whose spouse was recently diagnosed. Both times I recommended Teepa’s resources. I’ve posted things from her before, but I was reminded again yesterday how helpful this material is, so I’m sharing in case you or someone you know needs this: teepasnow.com ; youtube.com/teepasnow
