Dementia:
A Journey Through Chaos

Welcome to Dementia: A Journey Through Chaos. I'm Barbara Huelat, a dedicated dementia caregiver and writer who knows the highs and lows of this challenging role firsthand. Through years of caring for my loved ones with dementia, I've gathered insights and expertise that I'm eager to share.

This blog is a sanctuary for caregivers, offering a wealth of resources and support. From understanding the complexities of dementia to navigating the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, my blog covers a spectrum of essential topics. Whether it's advice on providing safe care or guidance on finding crucial support networks, this platform aims to lighten the load of your caregiving journey.

Moreover, I'm thrilled to announce my new book, "Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide to Interventions that Make a Difference." Packed with practical strategies and tales of resilience, this book is a beacon of hope for caregivers seeking guidance.

Join me in this journey through chaos, where we'll navigate the labyrinth of dementia caregiving together.

Dec 24 min read

Ready for Anything: Building a Dementia Care Emergency Kit

Nov 223 min read

Art for the Aging: A Visit to the Creative Aging Program at Phillips Collection

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Oct 251 min read

Barbara Delivers Keynote at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam

Oct 183 min read

Behind Every Caregiver: The Superhero Story of Compassion

Sep 265 min read

What Journaling Taught Me About Caregiving

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Sep 205 min read

Alzheimer’s in Crisis: September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day

Sep 65 min read

What are the Golden Rules of Dementia Communication? Things to Avoid Saying to Someone with Dementia

Aug 304 min read

What Are the Best Fall Prevention Strategies for Dementia Care?

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Aug 236 min read

What Are Ways to Support Personal Hygiene for Your Loved One with Dementia?

Aug 164 min read

Can Love Endure Through the Challenges of Alzheimer's?

Aug 94 min read

What are the Stages of Dementia? Taming the Chaos of Dementia: Phase by Phase

Jul 195 min read

What Are Some Ways to Help Dementia Caregivers?

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Jul 123 min read

What Are Effective Ways to Communicate with Those with Dementia?

Jul 64 min read

Can Dementia Be Prevented?

Jun 284 min read

What Should You Do If a Loved One with Dementia Wanders Off?

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Jun 82 min read

Introducing My Curated Dementia Resource for Caregivers

May 243 min read

Nurturing Spaces: How Healing Environments Improve Dementia Well-being

May 173 min read

How Does Dementia Impacts Decision-Making and Judgement?

May 102 min read

Navigating Dementia Travel: Travel Strategies for Dementia Caregivers

May 22 min read

How Does Dementia Impact Independence and Daily Activities?

Apr 262 min read

How Does Dementia Affect Communication Skills?

Apr 194 min read

Is There a Cure for Dementia:

Apr 124 min read

What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?

Apr 53 min read

How Does Dementia Affect Sleep Patterns?

Mar 292 min read

Harnessing the Power of Sensory Engagement as an Effective Intervention

Mar 222 min read

Safeguarding Your Loved One: Navigating Dementia Care with Expertise

Mar 153 min read

Environmental Interventions: Top Ten Game-changers for Those with Dementia

Mar 84 min read

Not all Memory is Lost to Dementia

Mar 14 min read

10 Considerations in Transitioning to a Care Facility

Feb 233 min read

10 Keys to Managing Caregiver Guilt

Feb 142 min read

A Valentine's Love Letter

Feb 93 min read

Joyful Caregiving: 10 Ways to Cultivate Joy on the Journey

Feb 23 min read

Navigating Chaotic Moments: The Power of Positive Distractions in Dementia Care

Jan 263 min read

Naomi Feil – A Personal Tribute to the Godmother of Person-Centered Care

Jan 202 min read

Where to Start? Navigating Dementia Caregiving

Jan 122 min read

Can Technology Shape the Personal Narratives of Dementia Care?

Jan 52 min read

Words of Love: Speaking the Dementia Language

Dec 29, 20232 min read

Caregiver Resolutions for a Joyous 2024

Dec 22, 20232 min read

Christmas Magic of Reminiscence Therapy

Dec 15, 20233 min read

Social Isolation: Combating Its Impact on Individuals with Dementia

Dec 8, 20232 min read

Clutter, Noise and Crowds! Managing Environmental Triggers

Dec 1, 20232 min read

A Personal Journey through Holidays with Dementia

Nov 24, 20233 min read

Gratitude

Nov 17, 20232 min read

Navigating the Depths of Dignity in Dementia End-of-Life Care

Nov 11, 20234 min read

Heartwarming Personal Stories

Nov 4, 20231 min read

Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver's Guide to Interventions that Make a Difference

Oct 27, 20233 min read

Pet Power in Dementia Care

Oct 20, 20233 min read

Caring for Hearts: Coping Skills for Dementia Care

Oct 13, 20231 min read

Interview on The Tonic Podcast

Oct 6, 20233 min read

The Heartbreak of Unrecognized Love

Dec 24 min read

Ready for Anything: Building a Dementia Care Emergency Kit

One minute, Joe and I were enjoying a quiet evening, and the next, we were plunged into darkness. The power had gone out, and Joe, ever...

26 views0 comments

Nov 223 min read

Art for the Aging: A Visit to the Creative Aging Program at Phillips Collection

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(2)

Last night, I had the pleasure of visiting the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. , for a special exhibit showcasing artwork created...

29 views2 comments

Oct 251 min read

Barbara Delivers Keynote at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam

2024 NSTC Biomedicine and Precision Medicine Workshop – Netherlands October 21, 2024 | Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam The Erasmus...

33 views0 comments

Oct 183 min read

Behind Every Caregiver: The Superhero Story of Compassion

In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, dementia caregivers emerge as true superheroes, navigating the complexities of...

11 views0 comments

Sep 265 min read

What Journaling Taught Me About Caregiving

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

Caregiving is a journey like no other. It can be deeply rewarding, but it also comes with immense emotional and physical demands. As...

11 views1 comment

Sep 205 min read

Alzheimer’s in Crisis: September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day

As many of you know, my late husband, Joe, passed away with Alzheimer’s Disease. It was a heart-wrenching journey that I faced both as...

9 views0 comments

Sep 65 min read

What are the Golden Rules of Dementia Communication? Things to Avoid Saying to Someone with Dementia

What are the "Golden Rules of Dementia Communication? I wish I had known the golden rules of dementia caregiving when I was caring for...

4 views0 comments

Aug 304 min read

What Are the Best Fall Prevention Strategies for Dementia Care?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

Falls are something I think about a lot—not just because a fall once sent me to the hospital for a knee replacement, but because, as a...

27 views1 comment

Aug 236 min read

What Are Ways to Support Personal Hygiene for Your Loved One with Dementia?

For me, managing hygiene in dementia care was one of the toughest caregiving tasks. It's embarrassing, incredibly personal, and often...

21 views0 comments

Aug 164 min read

Can Love Endure Through the Challenges of Alzheimer's?

This morning, I opened the paper and learned that Gena Rowlands , who portrayed Allie in The Notebook , passed away at the age of 94....

23 views0 comments

Aug 94 min read

What are the Stages of Dementia? Taming the Chaos of Dementia: Phase by Phase

I often hear caregiver frustrations that their loved one surprises them with new and strange behaviors. “Mom just wandered off and out...

118 views0 comments

Jul 195 min read

What Are Some Ways to Help Dementia Caregivers?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

We all know somebody with dementia, and we likely know someone caring for them. It is a difficult journey, with limited resources to help...

20 views1 comment

Jul 123 min read

What Are Effective Ways to Communicate with Those with Dementia?

Communicating with loved ones who have dementia often feels mysterious. The words are English, yet they don’t make sense! What are they...

20 views0 comments

Jul 64 min read

Can Dementia Be Prevented?

The thought of developing dementia in old age is one of the most feared aspects of aging, according to a recent AARP survey. Many of us...

22 views0 comments

Jun 284 min read

What Should You Do If a Loved One with Dementia Wanders Off?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

This sunny afternoon takes me back to the golden days I spent with Joe—traveling the world, sailing through calm waters, enjoying music...

20 views1 comment

Jun 82 min read

Introducing My Curated Dementia Resource for Caregivers

Caregivers, Are You Looking for Dementia Resources? Are you wondering if there are books that can make your job a little easier? Do you...

18 views0 comments

May 243 min read

Nurturing Spaces: How Healing Environments Improve Dementia Well-being

Dementia creates a state of chaos for millions worldwide. Over 55 million people globally, including more than 6 million Americans, live...

10 views0 comments

May 173 min read

How Does Dementia Impacts Decision-Making and Judgement?

Watching my husband casually slip restaurant utensils into his pocket or my late mom frantically rushing into a neighbor's house...

10 views0 comments

May 102 min read

Navigating Dementia Travel: Travel Strategies for Dementia Caregivers

Embark on a journey of compassion and adventure with your loved one who has dementia. Drawing from my personal experiences, let's explore...

34 views0 comments

May 22 min read

How Does Dementia Impact Independence and Daily Activities?

The toll of dementia's impact on independence and daily activities, particularly in activities such as hygiene, cannot be overstated—it's...

17 views0 comments

Dementia:
A Journey Through Chaos

Table of Contents

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