Author Archives: Debbie Selsalvage

Debbie Selsalvage's Articles

Coping with Dementia: No Time for a Sabbatical

Seven years ago, the local newspaper asked if we might submit a monthly column about Alzheimer’s and dementia.  We were thrilled and honored to be… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Why do we say ‘Care Partner’?

A person who provides care for another is called a “care provider” or a “care giver.”  Not much reason for explanation.  It’s just straight-forward, everyday… Read More

Coping with Dementia: The good will of Dementia

We have just finished our annual fund-raising walk for Dementia Education, Inc., a Citrus County-based nonprofit that supports families living with dementia.  As always, I… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Alcohol Use

In tackling the topic of alcohol use and dementia, I am going to begin with a “myth-buster” statement based on the landmark study conducted in… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Put Trust before the Task

Undoubtedly, the most difficult kind of senior care is when our loved one is living with dementia.  Changes in the brain that destroy their physical… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Understanding the Care Partner Relationship

Often, when I begin a consulting or training relationship with a care partner for an individual living with dementia – whether that care partner is… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Citrus Libraries provide Dementia Support

Last month, Eric Head, who manages our Citrus County Libraries, was named Leader of the Year by the Florida Libraries Association.  This is a distinction… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Seek ways to keep your Loved One Engaged

Often, during counseling or while facilitating my care partner support groups, I hear the lament, “My husband (wife) can’t do anything!  Not a thing!”  Since… Read More

Coping with Dementia: The Business Case for Dementia-friendly Communities

I conduct training for Dementia Friendly businesses, churches, and communities for humanitarian reasons.  Our company’s slogan is “We all deserve the best,” which I believe… Read More

Coping with Dementia: The Care Partner as a Student

Recently, my partner Ed and I traveled to North Carolina to visit Soltys Place, a dementia day care center run by Teepa Snow, the founder… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Building a Relationship with a Professional Care Community

Although most Americans choose to care for their loved ones at home, many do not or cannot, but choose to entrust the task to an… Read More

Coping with Dementia: How Hogeweyk “normalizes” dementia

Last month, my column was about my recent visit to the Netherlands for a tour and workshop at Hogeweyk, famously known worldwide as the “Dementia… Read More