About 350 St. Patrick's Day–themed greeting cards went to the Alzheimer's and dementia residents of memory care and board-and-care as part of the Comfort Human Pen Palz initiative! Design help came from a very special wee-human, and then Comfort Human affixed the touch-therapy items, including coins and soft shamrocks. If you'd like to donate designs or touch-therapy items, click here for info! #alzheimers #dementia #cognitivedecline #alzheimersawareness #dementiaawareness #n

"Researchers [in the U.S. and New Zealand] found that the connection between mental health problems and dementia was seen across men and women, for both early-onset and later-onset dementias, across different types of mental health conditions and for both Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer's dementias. They explained that these results have several implications, including better treatment of mental disorders earlier on in people’s lives which could mitigate neurodegenerative disea

Dementia can be rude, frustrating, quiet, loud, sad, funny...the list goes on and on. And that's for the person with it as well as for family, friends, caregivers...that list goes on and on, too. There's no playbook to follow either, since every interaction can be different from the last. That's why I began sharing my experiences in memory care with my friends and family. I think it was a combination of me processing what I'd been through on a particular visit as well as cele

Comfort Human sends out about 350 greeting cards each month to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia who are living in memory care units and board and care. It's the Pen Palz initiative, like a one-way pen pal program. This month, some inspired kids (thank you, Ella and Kemper, and also Kendra!) helped with the Valentine’s theme and contributed these adorable cards! Then Comfort Human added "fidget" items for sensory therapy, such as the glittery hearts and googl

Anthony Morrison is one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs out there, so it's always a treat to catch an interview with him, since his Brit wit is second to none. But...to hear him talk about Comfort Human during a recent podcast, See & Free Studio with Jennifer Longnion? Such a surreal surprise with a huge burst of gratitude! Just...wow! ComfortHuman.org efforts for #alzheimers and #dementia will strive to live up to his praise! From See & Free Studio: See & Free Studio, Se

Comfort Human is on Dementia Map, a great resource for family, friends, caregivers, and professionals dealing with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The site has an events listing, blog, and even a helpful glossary of terms. Visit Dementia Map by clicking here. #alzheimers #dementia #cognitivedecline #alzheimersawareness #dementiaawareness #newbook #newauthor #alzheimersbooks #dementiabooks #caregiver #brainawareness #seniorliving #caregiversupport #endalz #alzheimersdi

Very moved to have had Comfort Human and the book "Conversations With Alzheimer's" included in a very poignant editorial by the president of The Caregiver's Voice! Here's a peek: People with Dementia Say the Funniest Things People with dementia may struggle to function as more of their brain cells are destroyed, but IF we really listen, they will offer wisdom of the ages giftwrapped in humor. Caregiver and author, Tori Tellem shares nuggets of wisdom and humor in her new book

OK...maybe not an entirely true headline there. But this works, too! #alzheimers #dementia #cognitivedecline #alzheimersawareness #dementiaawareness #newbook #newauthor #alzheimersbooks #dementiabooks #caregiver #brainawareness #seniorliving #caregiversupport #endalz #alzheimersdisease #alzheimerstips #memoryloss #eldercare #comforthuman #cognitive #neuroplasticity

The September 2021 Pen Palz "pen pal" greeting cards for Alzheimer's and dementia residents of memory-care units and board-and-care homes were a hit! This batch was extra special: All were designed by young students! I then added "fidget" objects to each of the approximately 350 cards, such as pieces of felt, puffy balls, googly eyes, and buttons as the sensory/touch therapy elements. Here's a note from one of the care facilities: "I did want to send you a thank you for the l

September 2021 is the 10th year of World Alzheimer's Month, with September 21 being World Alzheimer’s Day. In the United States, November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. #alzheimers #dementia #comforthuman #brainawareness #seniorliving #mentalhealth #caregiving #memorycare #dementiaawareness #alzheimersawareness #volunteering #seniorliving #lewybodydementia #stayactive #cognitivefunctions #healthcare #endalz #readabook #alzheimerstips #healthymindhealthybody #dementia

Here's something I never expected to write: "My book is available!" (Amazon, in digital and paperback--https://amzn.to/3xKL0ul) My favorite people to teach me about all the things in life? Those with Alzheimer's/dementia. This little book was a way to share their gems of wisdom. It also became a platform to have a conversation about having conversations with them. If you do read the book, I thank you very much and hope you also find inspiration in their words! #alzheimers #de

Pen Palz is a monthly “pen pal” program that sends handmade greeting cards to Alzheimer’s/dementia residents in memory care, with an emphasis on those living in low-income care facilities. The cards are sensory-based, with bright colors and items affixed (like buttons and feathers) for touch and memory therapy. Sensory stimulation can reduce agitation and help with memory recall. ​ Teachers/schools, Scout troops, home-schoolers, care facilities, or anyone interested in becomi

Want the Best Advice? Talk to Someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia

I'm often asked why I call what I do Comfort Human. It's pretty simple: Do a Google search for “What is a comfort dog?” The results? Betting you saw a lot of matches, including a link to a government report explaining the need for them and how “they can be a source of relief in rapidly changing environments and situations” and “offer a calming presence and a welcome distraction." Or maybe how comfort dogs and therapy dogs “provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hos

This is a note sent to me by one of the nursing homes that has received baby dolls through the Comfort Human initiative to address the feelings of isolation and depression for those with Alzheimer’s/dementia during their quarantine. So much happiness! If you want to learn more about what I'm doing for those with Alzheimer’s/dementia while they are in quarantine (and beyond), click here. #alzheimers #dementia #caregiving #mentalhealth #memorycare