INCREASING DEPENDENCE ON DEMENTIA OBJECTS OF COMFORT

Once a person, who is living with dementia, enters a care facility, it is helpful to introduce objects of comfort. At home the loved one is receiving one-on-one care and attention. In a care home, nursing home, the same individual receives care at the same time as perhaps 6 to 8 other residents.

Different objects that can bring comfort and often will distract the resident who is living with a dementia or Alzheimer's are extremely precious. Such objects can provide activities that are highly structured or simply calming, relaxing, at a time when the individual needs that one-on-one attention, distraction.

In this era of "dementia and Alzheimer's health crisis", families and care providers need to value avenues that may appear unconventional to the rest of the world (a doll that sings a song that is sung by their partner or loved one; a cat or dog that is animated and weighs like a real cat or small dog; a recorded card with the voice of a child or a loved one; their favorite music from You Tube playing on an iPad or a recorder; etc...).

Especially in a care facility, where care providers rarely have time to sit down and interact or distract a resident. Building real connections at home or with residents in a care facility is challenging for care providers.

Taking time to stage a resident's bed provides a unique opportunity to quickly have access to objects that are meaningful to that individual. Here is a short list of objects for families to consider providing to their loved one:

• Animated cat or dog (https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/tcanterino/)
• Recording messages and songs on a doll for the comfort of your loved one (https://www.budsies.com/plush-services/)
• Photo pillows to demonstrate a precious relationship (https://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/pillows)

Objects of affection and compassion help everyone to master a deeper understanding of what it means to living with dementia - the fears, uncertainties and memories. While vitally important to advancing dementia education and the importance remaining in constant contact with our loved ones, the most important role of family members and dementia care providers - forming a bond with the person who is living with dementia.