In our journey to understand and reimagine dementia care, we draw inspiration from the words of Mary Fridley, the Coordinator of “Reimagining Dementia— A Creative Coalition for Justice.” Her quote sheds light on a vital aspect of dementia care—the restoration of humanity to people living with dementia.
Mary’s words invite us to rethink our approach to dementia. Instead of seeing a diagnosis as the end, we must respond to it as a new beginning! This shift means moving to a new realm of awareness and conscious living by fostering joy, connection, growth, and discovering new possibilities for – and with – older loved ones.
When we look at dementia, it’s clear that the diagnosis often casts a shadow, obscuring the person behind it. However, Mary’s message reminds us that every individual impacted by dementia deserves to be seen and valued. By recognizing their humanity, we also acknowledge their unique stories and the richness of their experiences.
A dementia diagnosis need not be a sentence of despair. Instead, it can be a starting point for an all-new level of engagement and a reciprocity such as one has never experienced! By providing empathetic and person-directed care, we can create moments of genuine connection that transcend the boundaries of memory loss.
In the world of dementia care, growth doesn’t stop with a diagnosis. Instead, when approached with understanding and respect for the needs of the person, it becomes an ongoing journey of discovery.
This journey is made possible through innovative approaches and support, allowing people living with dementia to continue to learn, evolve, and find new ways to express themselves.
Mary’s wisdom calls us to action! It’s about restoring humanity in dementia care. It’s about advocating for a person-centered approach and spreading awareness, ultimately fostering a community that values and uplifts those impacted by dementia. In our response, we open doors to a world filled with greater compassion, growth, and possibilities for people living with dementia.
Mary Fridley’s wisdom is a call to action to be part of a movement that transforms the narrative and ensures that a dementia diagnosis is truly a starting point for a life filled with joy, connection, and growth.
Blog Author:
Zulekha Ali (“Zuley”) is a freelance writer with a commitment to delivering informative and impactful content to enrich readers’ understanding and empower them to make informed decisions.
Blog Co-Author:
Susan Troyer, MS, BA, is author and curator of ABeautifulVoice.org.
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