Category: Leading with Love

In this series, we will be discussing different aspects of talking about dementia from the first talk you might have with a loved one, to speaking with a doctor, to how to speak with someone who has dementia in a dignified manner.

We have talked repeatedly in our blogs about care, and why routine is important. Setting expectations can help a loved one with dementia keep on track. It limits confusion and frustration. However, sometimes the routine runs into unexpected bumps in the road. We have talked about the need for conversations when changes can be planned for ahead of time. But what happens when the change is sudden and there is no time to prepare your loved one for the change.

Continue reading “Conversations with Dementia: The Unexpected Change” →

Part of my experience in taking care of Grandma Lilly was collaboration with my family. We had four generations living under one roof from Grandma Lilly, all the way down to my children. This first spotlight will feature my daughter, Addie. She tells stories about what it was like to take care of Grandma Lilly.  

**NOTE: Addie refers to Grandma Lilly as her Great Grandma Lilly throughout this piece, as that is her relationship to her. When she mentions her grandmother, she is referring to my mother-in-law who also lived with us.

Continue reading “Leading With Love Spotlight: Addie Cini” →

 I’ll admit, this has been one of the most joyful yet challenging times of my life. I left what was comfortable in order to build my own business in Kemper House Central Ohio. I knew I wanted to do something different with my life and it was important to me to challenge myself to be the best that I can be. Kemper House Central Ohio has given me that opportunity and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

I have been in the industry of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care for much of my adult life. I have seen well over 100 different dementia facilities, all with different levels of care and different capabilities. But, something I have noticed is the lack of new technologies being used in these facilities. In many spaces, these facilities feel far more like end of life care and aren’t much different from hospice. Part of my dream with Kemper House Central Ohio is to change the way we think about what care means and how we can incorporate the latest technology into our community and make a difference.

For all of the hardships that come with taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, I wouldn’t change the experience for me and my family. I’ve talked about some of the difficulties we faced from keeping Grandma’s schedule to the feelings of inadequacy that can squeeze their way into how we feel about ourselves on our worst days. For this, I’d like to spend some time talking about the benefits I experienced in caring for Grandma Lilly.