Smiles From The Dementia Files: Episode 3

Our Loved One Lizzie is an amazing lady. She is full of fun and mischief. She's always been quick-witted and more than willing to share her opinion on everything!

In our experience with dementia, we've found that laughter is important. It's a key to coping for all of us, including Lizzie. She enjoys being able to shock and surprise those around her with her quick mind and tongue. Having dementia hasn't taken that from her yet, and we hope it never does.


Episode 3
Circa 3 years after diagnosis

In case you need a smile... 

Lizzie: You always loved when we went camping

Me: I did. Tell me about it

Lizzie: We made sure to keep you safe

Me: I'm glad you did

Lizzie: We had a camper when you were little

Me: Did I like the camper?

Lizzie: Oh yes. We had a special spot to keep you safe

Me: Where was it?

Lizzie: We put you in a laundry basket

Me: A laundry basket?

Lizzie: Of course. We wanted to keep you safe. Then we put the laundry basket on the top shelf

Me: You put the laundry basket with me in it on the top shelf of the camper?

Lizzie: Only when we were driving

Me: Well, thank you for keeping me safe!

(Photo by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash)

Things to know:

• We NEVER owned a camper
• We NEVER went camping as a family
• That probably wouldn't have been safe! 🤣🤣🤣

How about you? Any ridiculous stories to share? Anyone else get stuffed in laundry baskets?

Smiles From The Dementia Files: Episode 2

Our Loved One Lizzie is an amazing lady. She is full of fun and mischief. She's always been quick-witted and more than willing to share her opinion on everything!

In our experience with dementia, we've found that laughter is important. It's a key to coping for all of us, including Lizzie. She enjoys being able to shock and surprise those around her with her quick mind and tongue. Having dementia hasn't taken that from her yet, and we hope it never does.

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Episode 2 - Memories
Circa 2 years after diagnosis

According to Lizzie ... 

Lizzie was in charge of escorting the little kids to air-raid shelters during WWII because she was organized, strong, and smart. Lizzie ensured that the children had partners and walked in pairs in an organized fashion from their classrooms to the shelters. She checked that each child carried his/her gas mask. If anyone became stressed it was Lizzie's job to calm them down and make them feel better. Once they arrived at the shelter, Lizzie counted to make sure no one was missing. To help everyone relax, Lizzie led them in songs and story-telling.

Lizzie was born and grew up in Scotland in a city that was a frequent target of bombing. The trauma of living through that kind of experience has life-long impacts.

Lizzie was also 6 when WWII ended, so she might be a bit optimistic about her role in these events.

Of course, we congratulate her on being a responsible helper and encourage her to share more of her stories with us.

Memories (whether they're historically accurate or not!) are a great way to encourage conversation and connections.

How about you? Any recent smiles?

Smiles From The Dementia Files: Episode 1

Our Loved One Lizzie is an amazing lady. She is full of fun and mischief. She's always been quick-witted and more than willing to share her opinion on everything!

In our experience with dementia, we've found that laughter is important. It's a key to coping for all of us, including Lizzie. She enjoys being able to shock and surprise those around her with her quick mind and tongue. Having dementia hasn't taken that from her yet, and we hope it never does.

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash

Episode #1
Circa Year 2 after diagnois

Lizzie: When did you last speak to your dad?

Me: Well, he died way back in 1999, so it's been a while...

Lizzie: That's right, I'd forgotten that. *sips tea* So, do you think you'll see him tomorrow?

Me: ... probably not.

Lizzie: Okay.

How about you? Does you Loved One ask about those who are long gone? 

Welcome!

Welcome to Dancing With Dementia.

Our family has been dealing with dementia for a few years now, and as a writer, I find it really helps to put my thoughts and feelings down on paper ... or screen as the case may be.

In many ways, Dementia hit us without any warning. We're an immigrant family and we didn't grow up with older relatives around us. We didn't know the difference between normal aging and signs of dementia.

We made a lot of mistakes.
We did a lot of things right. Many of these right choices were simply by accident.

We're not perfect, but we're working hard to ensure our Loved One, Lizzie, has the best quality of life possible.

This blog is going to be a way to share information, ask questions, and definitely provide a few laughs. As you get to know Lizzie through this blog, you'll see that there will always be laughs and smiles when she is involved! Smiles From the Dementia Files will be a regular feature.

For practical tips that we've found very helpful, you can check out my YouTube channel. I'll talk more about these tips and others on the blog as well.

The book, Dancing With Dementia will be available on March 31, 2020. It covers the story of our journey through Dementia as well as collects tips and advice into handy lists.

The book is now available for preorder at the following locations. The price will be at $0.99 (US) for the preorders and the first few weeks after release. Then the price will jump, so get your copy now!

Amazon.com           Amazon.ca.          Apple Books.           Barnes & Noble          Kobo.      

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

For more info on the book, check out my website jemifraser.com or the MCBook tours page.

I hope some of the information you find here on the blog will help you along in your journey as we learn the steps to the Dementia dance together!