💬 “You are an expert in the person you're caring for—and you are their best advocate.” — Adria Thompson In this moment from Caregiver Chats, Adria reminds us that dementia doesn’t erase a person’s identity. Their past experiences, personality, and joys still matter—and so does your deep knowledge of who they are. Caregiving isn't about getting it perfect. It's about staying connected to the person in front of you and honoring their humanity, even as their needs change. 🎧 Listen to the full epi
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💬 “You are an expert in the person you're caring for—and you are their best advocate.” — Adria Thompson In this moment from Caregiver Chats, Adria reminds us that dementia doesn’t erase a person’s identity. Their past experiences, personality, and joys still matter—and so does your deep knowledge of who they are. Caregiving isn't about getting it perfect. It's about staying connected to the person in front of you and honoring their humanity, even as their needs change. 🎧 Listen to the full epi
1.8K views9 months ago
FacebookHome Instead
Why we should talk about dementia | Adria Thompson | TEDxUKY
15:43
Why we should talk about dementia | Adria Thompson | TEDxUKY
4.6K viewsMay 2, 2025
YouTubeTEDx Talks
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "When someone with dementia speaks and the words don’t make sense, your facial expression and emotional response matter more than the perfect answer. Communication is not just language. It is tone, warmth, expression, and the feeling you bring into the moment. If their words are unclear, focus on the emotion behind them. Match their energy. If they seem excited, show excitement. If they seem worried, offer comfort. Your face and your presence hel
1:08
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "When someone with dementia speaks and the words don’t make sense, your facial expression and emotional response matter more than the perfect answer. Communication is not just language. It is tone, warmth, expression, and the feeling you bring into the moment. If their words are unclear, focus on the emotion behind them. Match their energy. If they seem excited, show excitement. If they seem worried, offer comfort. Your face and your presence hel
229K views5 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Revolutionizing Dementia Care With Adria Thompson
33:08
Revolutionizing Dementia Care With Adria Thompson
1 views7 months ago
YouTubeSenior Living Foresight
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "In this video, I demonstrate two different ways to approach someone in the later stages of dementia. It is during these stages that verbal communication is poor or lost. This is the most common time a person is disregarded like in the first video. In the second clip, I do the following: • Speak directly to the person with dementia, not the caregiver. • Get down to their level to make the interaction more comfortable. • Speak slowly and with paus
1:29
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "In this video, I demonstrate two different ways to approach someone in the later stages of dementia. It is during these stages that verbal communication is poor or lost. This is the most common time a person is disregarded like in the first video. In the second clip, I do the following: • Speak directly to the person with dementia, not the caregiver. • Get down to their level to make the interaction more comfortable. • Speak slowly and with paus
18.2K views5 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "This is one of those things you learn as a professional caregiver, but take for granted. Do you know this trick? #dementia #alzheimers #toileting #incontinence #caregiver #cna #nursesoftiktok #cnalife #incontinence #pullup #howto #nowyouknow #gamechanger"
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Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "This is one of those things you learn as a professional caregiver, but take for granted. Do you know this trick? #dementia #alzheimers #toileting #incontinence #caregiver #cna #nursesoftiktok #cnalife #incontinence #pullup #howto #nowyouknow #gamechanger"
210.5K viewsMay 6, 2023
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "“How do we correct their reality?” is one of the most common questions I get in dementia care. The truth is, dementia changes how the brain processes and stores information. When a loved one with dementia says something that isn’t true to us—it often feels very real to them. Arguing or insisting on “truth” usually leads to frustration, defensiveness, or hurt. Instead, our goal is to help them feel safe, calm, and connected. In dementia care, it’
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "“How do we correct their reality?” is one of the most common questions I get in dementia care. The truth is, dementia changes how the brain processes and stores information. When a loved one with dementia says something that isn’t true to us—it often feels very real to them. Arguing or insisting on “truth” usually leads to frustration, defensiveness, or hurt. Instead, our goal is to help them feel safe, calm, and connected. In dementia care, it’
103.9K views10 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
1:03
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "We ask so many questions I’ve the course of a visit! Consider how you can modify the way your phrase them to allow for the best possibility of success for your loved one with dementia. #dementia #caregiver #alzheimers #dementiaawareness #dementiacare #caregiver #alzheimerssucks #vasculardementia #frontotemporaldementia #lewybodydementia #alzheimersfight #alzheimersdisease #dementiasucks #dementiasupport #caregiversupport #caregivers"
56.3K viewsDec 10, 2024
Instagrambelightcare
46:06
51: Balancing Safety & Independence in Dementia with Adria Thompson
340 views10 months ago
YouTubeHome Instead
1:27
When someone with dementia says “I don’t need help” or “There’s nothing wrong with me,” it can feel like denial. But this may actually be anosognosia, a change in the brain that makes it impossible for the person to recognize there’s a problem. They’re not refusing help; they truly can’t see what’s happening. Instead of trying to convince them, focus on connection. Respond to their emotion, not their words. That simple approach can calm the moment and help both of you feel safe. Even if they don
7K views6 months ago
TikTokbelightcare
2:49
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "In this video, we talk about young-onset dementia, what it means when someone is diagnosed before the age of 65, and why this experience can be so different from what most people expect when they hear the word “dementia.” We also talk about why the term “early-onset” can cause confusion, how a diagnosis at a younger age affects every part of life, and where families can turn for support. If this is your reality, or someone you love is navigating
33K views11 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "When someone with dementia speaks in made-up words that sound like nonsense, it can be confusing and even heartbreaking. But what’s really happening isn’t stubbornness or random confusion, it’s a breakdown in the brain’s language system. These made-up words are called neologisms, and when most of someone’s speech is filled with them, we call it jargon. This often happens in the later stages of dementia or with conditions like primary progressive
66.7K views6 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "When someone with dementia tells the same story over and over, it’s not meaningless repetition. It’s connection. Repetitive storytelling is common in the moderate stages of dementia, when short-term memory loss makes it harder to recall recent events. But long-term memories remain strong, which means the stories that come up most often are usually the ones that bring comfort, joy, or meaning. So when they share a familiar story, let them. Smile,
24K views6 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
1:22
Understanding Cognitive Screens for Dementia Testing
286K viewsFeb 26, 2023
TikTokbelightcare
0:51
Dementia Management Tips
721 viewsJul 18, 2023
YouTubeParent Projects
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "Caregivers hear this all the time: “Let me know if you need anything!” But when you’re juggling meals, meds, appointments, and emotions—it’s hard to even know what to ask for. Here’s a strategy: keep a short list of specific ways people can help. That way, when someone offers, you’re ready. Even better? Let’s make that list together. Drop your ideas in the comments—meals, errands, tasks, time. What would take one thing off your plate? 💡
114.1K views1 year ago
Instagrambelightcare
DQ7NbbciucS
6 months ago
Instagram
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "Aggression and impulsivity in dementia can feel sudden and confusing—but there’s powerful neurology behind it. The amygdala is designed to protect us. It triggers the fight-or-flight response when we sense danger. But in dementia, the brain’s ability to accurately assess threats is compromised. That means everyday situations can feel scary or threatening—even when they’re not. Normally, the prefrontal cortex steps in to pause and evaluate the si
125.6K viewsApr 30, 2025
Instagrambelightcare
1:39
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "I’ve met @emmahemingwillis, and yes, she’s strong. She knew before sharing her family’s story that criticism would follow, but she also knew that advocacy and representation for caregivers is more important than fear. If you don’t believe there’s still stigma around dementia, or that society doesn’t fully understand it, just look at the way people have responded. The headlines and the comments show it clearly. This is proof that we still have a
203.1K views8 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
0:34
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "ˣ When I first heard about @getJubileeTV, I’ll be honest, it kinda sounded too good to be true. You’re telling me I can check in on my loved one, video call with them (and it just pops up on their TV!?), and even manage the volume or apps remotely… and it’s simple to use? Thankfully, I got the chance to try it out and wow, it’s an incredible technology! It really does let you care from a distance while helping your loved one feel connected and s
35.3K views3 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
28:01
5 Surprising Signs of Dementia | Adria Thompson
580 viewsDec 21, 2023
YouTubeParent Projects
1:16
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "When a person with dementia starts believing a loved one has been replaced by an imposter, it may be Capgras syndrome. This neurological symptom can occur when brain changes from conditions like Lewy body dementia disrupt the connection between recognition and emotional familiarity. From their perspective, they see the right face but their brain insists it’s someone else, which can trigger fear, paranoia, and even unsafe situations. Episodes can
30.4K views9 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "You’ve probably heard elderspeak before. You may have even done it yourself. Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s okay! I make videos like this to help you learn more about the best ways to communicate with people you love. #dementia #caregiver #alzheimers #dementiaawareness #dementiacare #caregiver #alzheimerssucks #vasculardementia #frontotemporaldementia #lewybodydementia #alzheimersfight #alzheimersdisease #dementiasucks #dementiasupport #caregiv
48.3K viewsNov 17, 2024
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson | When someone with dementia asks the same question again and again, it’s not because they’re trying to frustrate you, it’s because their... | Instagram
6 months ago
Instagram
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "ˣ Have you considered how you can change the complexity of your own speech to make things easier for individuals with dementia? #dementia #alzheimers #lewybodydementia #frontotemporaldementia #slp #speechtherapy #caregiver"
266.1K viewsFeb 25, 2022
Instagrambelightcare
0:53
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "Maybe you’re nervous to visit someone with dementia because you do not know what to say or how to connect. One of the easiest ways to support communication is to come with a meaningful activity. Simple, familiar activities like painting nails, looking through old photos, working on a puzzle, sorting objects, matching cards, or doing a small craft give the visit structure without pressure. They create natural moments for conversation, shared atte
95.6K views5 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "If you’re living with anosognosia, one of the most important things you can do is intentionally trust the people around you who care for you. They may see changes that you can’t fully recognize yourself. Even if you don’t always agree or fully understand, trusting those you love helps ensure your safety and support. And if you’re the care partner, remember: this isn’t stubbornness or denial. Anosognosia affects a person’s ability to have full aw
176.9K views11 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
0:44
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "Some people with dementia lose the ability to recognize their own reflection. This can lead to fear, anxiety, and even resistance with important daily activities like dressing, bathing, or showering. Because of visual-spatial changes in the brain, the person with dementia may not understand what they’re seeing. They may also believe they are much younger than they are, so the older person in the mirror can’t possibly be them. To them, it might f
32.2K views7 months ago
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "ˣ I could give you a play-by-play of the AFTD conference, but you can easily see that information by catching the recordings when they are posted online (and I truly encourage you to!). Instead, what I want to share is how I felt. The AFTD Education Conference reminded me that real connection starts when we step past the fear of reaching out. AFTD’s support groups, educational resources, and HelpLine are not just services, they’re lifelines. You
24.1K viewsMay 6, 2025
Instagrambelightcare
Dementia Care Tips | Adria Thompson on Instagram: "By Stage 7 of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), dementia is in its final stage. At this point, a person is completely dependent on others for care. Signs at this stage: 🔹 Severe difficulty swallowing. 🔹 Loss of speech (may only say a few words). 🔹 Needing full assistance with mobility and personal care. 🔹 Sleeping more and responding less to surroundings. This is when care shifts toward comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Even if they
31.8K viewsMar 31, 2025
Instagrambelightcare
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