A dementia care specialist helped people in Bridgewater learn more about the disease.
Teepa Snow presented to a crowd of 300 people.
She showed how a person living with dementia views the world and how they react when people approach them.
Snow says most people have misconceptions.
“People who have Dementia always know what they are doing or people with Dementia don’t know what they’re doing and it’s about a 50-50 mix. And, that they can choose to do differently than they do.”
She says she simulates actions or words to help people understand and raise awareness.
Snow adds, people need to have patience and willingness when caring for someone with dementia.
Meanwhile, a Bridgewater resident wishes he would have seen the presentation sooner.
David Mitchell lost his father almost two years ago after living with dementia.
He says Snow’s message gave him a clear picture of how he could have helped his dad.
“It’s a natural instinct, I think, to get frustrated with someone who is 60, 70 or 80 years-old who taught you how to eat and then you can’t figure out why they don’t know how to eat.”
Mitchell is hopeful Snow will return to Bridgewater to keep spreading her message.
