The Gentle Art of Letting Go
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s often means navigating moments where their reality doesn’t match yours. They may ask about someone who passed away years ago or insist on something that isn’t true. In those moments, your instinct might be to correct them, but that approach usually does more harm than good. The key shift is recognizing that it’s more about feelings than facts. What matters most is how your response makes them feel, not whether it’s objectively accurate. Why You Shouldn’t Correct or Confront It can feel uncomfortable, or even wrong, not to tell the truth. But correcting someone
That’s why it’s importa or correct the Alzheim if something is clearly benefit in forcing reali focus on maintaining emotional safety. The Art of Redirectio One of the most effec redirection. If a conve distress, gently guide Change the subject, s shift their attention to For example, if they a who isn’t there, you m and then pivot: “They
A Bark in the Darkness
with dementia can lead to confusion, frustration, or emotional distress. If a person asks about a loved one who has passed away, reminding them of that loss can feel like they’re hearing the bad news for the first time all over again.
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Anyone who has a dog knows the warmth and comfort they can bring. And, sometimes, that care can be life-saving. When 82-year-old Karen Joyce Davis got lost in the Oregon woods, it was up to her devoted dog, Cami, to keep her safe and warm. The loyal Australian cattle dog never left her side on that cold night and helped rescuers locate her. Karen went missing on Dec. 29 after she was seen taking a walk with her dog and never returned home. With the cold weather, search- and-rescue volunteers sprang into action to find her. The pair had managed to get lost in the rough terrain past the end of a forested road. Volunteers were told Karen had dementia, and Cami was known to stick by her in case she fell. One volunteer said she called out Cami’s name and heard a bark in the darkness, leading them right to the woman. “Without Cami, we likely would not have found her, and so the dog really did save her life,” the volunteer said. “The temperature was near freezing, and I don’t know if she would have made it overnight.” Rescuers treated Karen for hypothermia on site, and though she was very cold, she was alive and safe. Even as volunteers prepared to transport Karen to the hospital, Cami continued to rest her head on her owner, providing extra support. The dog even showed her thanks by licking rescuers and getting some well-deserved pets. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media, thanking area residents and the team for their help in the search. The canine hero also got a special shout-out, thanking her for “being such a good dog.” In the end, Karen’s safe return was thanks to a little dog whose loyalty never wavered. Cami proves that sometimes the most important lifeline during an emergency is the warmth and comfort of a four-legged friend. How a Devoted Dog Saved Her Owner in the Oregon Woods
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2 TrinityElderLaw.com
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