EPOCH Exchange

A dementia diagnosis is no small thing. It’s a profoundly life-changing situation, and affects a myriad number of people, not just the individual who’s diagnosed. Dementia is still often misunderstood, and many people are afraid of developing it or ...

Most of us enjoy the experience of bathing. (Or, at the very least, we tolerate it.) Some people enjoy soaking in the tub for long periods to relax, while others just like the feeling of being fresh and clean. So, it can be confusing and frustrating for ...

Sundowning is a symptom – actually, a group of symptoms – that occurs in individuals with dementia usually at the end of the daylight hours. It results in increased agitation, confusion, mood swings, irritation and sometimes hallucinations and ...

“You’re a hero,” they say. “You’re a selfless angel,” they say. Sure, caregiving is an act of love … but sometimes, you wish people would just stop talking about it. Do they know how hard it is to keep your cool when your mother asks you the same ...

For family members, one of the hardest moments of the dementia journey (and there are many) concerns dementia and not recognizing a spouse or a family member. “It feels like you’ve lost your loved one to the disease, even though they are still physically ...

We’ve all experienced how gloomy the winter months can be. Once all the holidays are done and the decorations are put away, we’re left with short days, cold nights and bad weather for a seemingly endless amount of time. It’s no wonder that winter can be ...

Discover practical ways to support your spouse who is caring for a loved one with dementia while protecting your relationship.

The new year is a new start, and for many, that means making plans for the upcoming 12 months. If you’re a caregiver making New Year’s resolutions, getting and staying healthy should definitely be added to your list. “Yes, most people resolve to get ...

Being a caregiver is a selfless act. It’s also an act that brings exhaustion, being overwhelmed and losing a sense of identity. Most caregivers are family members, meaning they are unpaid – and also untrained. “There’s no real way to understand ...

Think about the hobbies you love to do. What is it you enjoy about them? What feelings and emotions do they evoke? The hobbies and activities we do don’t just entertain and amuse us, but they also in a sense define us, make memories and provide ...

The winter blues can make this time of year feel like time is as slow as molasses. This is especially true for 2020 – a year where all of us are already tired of staying indoors. As we get ready to close the books on this year and look forward to ...