MEETS COMFORT sign Tips for Those Living With Dementia
ar Activities markable aspects of e was its approach to of simply serving food aditional care facility ere invited to take part just as they would active engagement emory and reinforces nd joy in daily living. cooking or setting the a kitchen designed ws them to continue f it’s just washing g a pot. The key is to d routine. Organization ntial. Use glass cabinet ng to make items dementia may struggle al, so being able to see king utensils helps cue onfusion.
Labeling drawers and cupboards with words or images is also helpful. Store frequently used items within easy reach, and remove clutter to avoid overwhelming stimuli. Safe but Functional Layout Safety remains a top priority, but that doesn’t mean the kitchen must be off-limits. Install appliance locks, use induction cooktops (which don’t get as hot), and keep sharp tools in secure but accessible locations if needed. Non-slip flooring, rounded counter edges, and clearly defined walkways further reduce risk while maintaining independence. Calming Design Elements Choose warm, homey lighting and avoid harsh contrasts in flooring or countertops, which can cause disorientation. Consistent, soft color palettes support a sense of calm and familiarity, along with simple decorations to avoid distractions.
JULY IS YOUR REMINDER TO CARE FOR YOURSELF Caring for Someone With Dementia? July is recognized as Self-Care Month, and for caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, this reminder is vital. Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be one of the most meaningful and loving acts a person can offer, but it can also be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. As a caregiver, it’s easy to hyperfocus on your loved one’s needs and forget to care for yourself. But here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Think about the safety message you hear whenever you get on an airplane. If the oxygen masks drop, you’re told to put your own mask on first before helping others. The same is true for caregivers. If you’re not breathing, you can’t help anyone else breathe. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Without it, burnout creeps in, patience wears thin, and even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. And while the person you’re caring for may not be able to say it, they need you to be healthy, steady, and well-supported. So, what does self-care look like in the midst of caregiving? It doesn’t have to be spa days or long vacations (though if you can, go for it!). It can be small, intentional moments like taking a quiet walk around the block, listening to music that lifts your mood, calling a friend just to chat, journaling or praying for a few minutes a day, getting enough rest whenever possible, and, most of all, asking for and accepting help. It also means giving yourself grace. You won’t do everything perfectly. You might lose your temper or feel overwhelmed, and that’s okay; you’re human. Self-care is about recognizing your limits and honoring your own needs, too. This month, take the opportunity to reflect on how you’re doing and what you need to feel a little more balanced and whole. When you care for yourself, you’re not just doing it for yourself; you’re doing it for the person you care about, too.
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
3 724.256.8850
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator