Dr Jennifer Bute
Finding Achievement
I find achievement through making someone smile or making them feel happier or to show that they still add value. It is very important for families to show their loved ones with dementia that they still add value!
Finding Calm
Music is very important to me, it can calm people at meal times and when they are reluctant to eat. It is wonderful in all situations. I also love the garden and trees which I find very calming.
Keeping Independent
Technology can be wonderful to help you to continue, do not allow yourself to give up on tasks and ask people to help you not to do it for you.
Finding Joy
You can have more joy, it is possible! I am even happier now because I have a purpose in helping people to understand more about dementia and enabling other people to find hope.
Keep Learning
When I was first diagnosed I thought that i would have to give up everything but you can relearn the things that you have forgotten whether that is a language or how to do a puzzle, it will just take practice.
Keeping A Sense of Identity
I continue to do the things that I enjoy like teaching, learning and sharing my experience with others.
Keeping Relationships
A lack of understanding can hurt relationships, so it is important to help them to seek education. We all just want to be treated the same fundamentally because we are still the same.
