June has arrived, and with it comes longer days, blooming flowers, time spent outdoors, and all the little moments that make summer special.
Around the House
This past weekend, Dean, Farrah, and I spent some time outside planting flowers and beginning our spring clean-up around the home. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the beautiful weather. Dianne was happy to get her hands dirty helping in the flower pots, Carol enjoyed watering the new arrangements, and many of the residents relaxed on the deck while watching the activity unfold.
Our outdoor projects will happen in stages throughout the summer, but our first priority was getting the decks cleaned and organized so residents can spend as much time outside as possible. Fresh air and sunshine do wonders for all of us. We also spent time sweeping the walkways to remove rocks and debris, helping ensure residents can move around safely and comfortably.
Next on the list are the outside windows. I'm still working on convincing my teenage son to help with that project, so if all goes well, it should provide some entertainment for the residents!
We have another fun-filled month ahead. June activities include the Rider game, a Lemonade Social, a Father's Day BBQ, and a special Sound of Music theme.
Throughout the month, our team will be incorporating music, trivia, sing-alongs, and themed activities inspired by the movie. Familiar songs and shared memories often spark wonderful conversations and participation among residents. These experiences are not only enjoyable, but can also provide comfort and connection for those experiencing memory changes or confusion.
We also appreciate everyone's patience as we complete a few remaining construction projects upstairs. We know it can occasionally be a little noisy, and we're hopeful these final touches will be wrapped up shortly.
Lastly, I wanted to make sure everyone received my recent email regarding our first home inspection. Overall, the inspection went very well. The primary area requiring attention relates to over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. If you did not receive that email or have any questions about how these changes may affect your loved one, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to walk you through the updates and answer any questions.
Family Corner: Understanding Confusion and Dementia
This month, I wanted to spend a little time talking about confusion and dementia, what it can look like for your loved one, and how our team approaches these moments at Meadow Edge.
Before I do, I wanted to share a little of my own story.
When Dean and I were first married, my grandparents lived with us for four years. We were young and just starting out, but it was important to me to help care for the people who had cared for me growing up.
My grandfather lived with dementia, and over the years we watched him gradually change. If you've walked this journey with someone you love, you know it can be heartbreaking at times. You find yourself missing the person they once were while also trying to embrace who they are today.
Looking back, I realize what a gift those years were.
I got to see the hard days, the confusing days, the funny days, and the moments that made no sense at all. I also learned that love doesn't disappear when dementia enters the picture. It just looks a little different.
In his final days, I was pregnant with Bentley and due to give birth at any time. My grandfather was no longer awake or communicating much, but I remember sitting beside him and telling him that I was naming my first son after him.
His name was Joseph.
As I sat there talking to him, his hand moved.
It may seem like a small moment, but it has stayed with me ever since.
A few days later, while I was in active labour, my grandfather passed away. Six hours later, Bentley Robert Joseph was born.
To this day, that moment reminds me that connection can still exist even when words are gone.
The reason I share this story is because I know many of you are walking a similar journey with your loved one. While every experience is different, I understand how difficult it can be to watch someone you love change. I also know how easy it is to become focused on what has been lost.
But if there is one thing dementia taught me, it is to treasure the little moments.
The smile that appears unexpectedly.
The hand squeeze.
The familiar song they still remember.
The story you've heard a hundred times.
The laugh that catches you by surprise.
Those moments matter.
Looking back, I'm simply grateful we had those extra years together. That experience taught me a lot about patience, compassion, and the importance of meeting people where they are.
It also helped shape the way we care for residents at Meadow Edge. With that in mind, I wanted to share a little more about confusion, dementia, and some of the ways we support residents and families along the journey.
As dementia progresses, many individuals begin to experience changes in memory, reasoning, and their understanding of time and place. This can sometimes present as confusion. A resident may ask to go home, believe they need to get to work, look for a loved one who has passed away, or become worried about something that isn't happening in the present moment.
As family members, our natural instinct is often to correct the information or explain the facts. While this comes from a place of love, it can sometimes increase feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety for the person living with dementia.
At Meadow Edge, our team focuses on reassurance, validation, and gentle redirection. Rather than correcting someone's reality, we try to understand the feeling behind what they are expressing. If someone says they need to get home to their children, for example, we recognize that the feeling may be one of responsibility, love, or concern. Instead of arguing the facts, we acknowledge those feelings and help redirect the conversation toward something comforting and familiar.
You may hear this approach referred to as redirection. Redirection is not about dismissing a person's thoughts. It is about helping them move away from something that may be causing distress and toward something that brings comfort, connection, or calm.
We often find that familiar music, photographs, stories, favourite activities, and simple conversation can be incredibly powerful tools. Sometimes a warm cup of tea, a walk, or a discussion about a cherished memory can completely change the course of a difficult moment.
For families, one of the most important things to remember is that dementia changes how a person experiences the world. What may seem confusing to us often feels very real to them. Meeting them where they are, rather than trying to bring them back to our reality, can often create more meaningful and positive interactions.
A Few Helpful Tips for Families
• Focus on the emotion rather than the facts.
• Avoid arguing or repeatedly correcting.
• Offer reassurance before explanations.
• Use familiar topics, photos, and memories to create connection.
• Remember that a calm presence is often more important than finding the perfect words.
Dementia is a journey that affects every family differently. While there can be challenges along the way, there can also be moments of joy, laughter, connection, and meaningful conversation. Our goal is always to support residents with dignity, compassion, and understanding while helping families navigate the journey alongside them.
Speaking of memories, it got me thinking about all the changes our residents have witnessed throughout their lives. From black-and-white televisions to smartphones, milk delivery to online shopping, they've seen a world of change.
That brings me to this month's Remember When?
Remember When?
Did you know that in the 1950s and 60s, having someone knock on your front door was often exciting?
Salespeople would travel neighbourhoods selling everything from encyclopedias and vacuum cleaners to cookware and magazine subscriptions. Many families actually looked forward to these visits because it was a chance to see the latest products and enjoy a friendly conversation.
Imagine telling someone in 1965 that one day we would order almost anything we wanted from a phone in our pocket and have it delivered without speaking to a single person. They probably would have thought you were describing a science fiction movie!
It really has me wondering what shopping and daily life will look like 50 years from now. Will technology continue to transform how we connect, communicate, and make purchases? What will future generations look back on and say, "Can you believe they used to do it that way?"
One thing is certain, our residents have witnessed some of the most remarkable changes in history, and I always enjoy hearing their stories and perspectives.
A Little Father's Day Laugh
In the spirit of Father's Day, and in honour of all the dads, grandpas, and father figures who have mastered the art of the perfectly terrible dad joke, I thought I'd leave you with this one:
Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?
Great food, but no atmosphere.
If you rolled your eyes a little, then I'd say it was a success.
Take good care,
Nicole & Dean Gerhardt
Meadow Edge House