My role as a caregiver to a person with [Lewy Body] dementia demands I get acquainted with psychosis. A calm and contained demeanor is preferred to one in which I freak out.
In a tour of an exhibit in which art and psychiatry crossed paths, it became clear to me that the psychotic makes me very uncomfortable.
Francesc Tosquelles, a Spanish psychiatrist, was able to channel the creativity of his patients.
Just a slight exposure (and no live patients with whom to deal), yet I felt that frisson of “is this right for me.” In fairness to myself, I cope better with Burt’s actual behaviors and issues.
Nonetheless, the awareness was a good eye-opener.
In a serendipitous moment, I was able to benefit from a webinar on Managing Lewy right after my visit to the American Folk Art Museum.
Julia Wood of LBDA laid out the more difficult aspects, the hallucinations, the delusions, the illusions.
These are the psychoses that plague us (as caregivers) and our pwd loved ones on our journey.
Insight Memory Care Centet is support based in Virginia, which provides programming on dementia. They hosted this informative guidance yesterday afternoon. Check their website to participate in future events.
Also, look to the Lewy Body Dementia Association for information. They offer print brochures outlining the unique signs and symptoms of LBD and lots of other forms of assistance.
this is our life 