As a parent in my mid-40s, it’s interesting how most chats with peers revolve around two main topics—our kids and our aging parents. Watching our children grow is a bittersweet experience, but seeing our parents age, especially when battling dementia, can be incredibly tough.
Dementia, a progressive condition often caused by strokes, brain injuries, or Alzheimer’s disease, affects around 55 million people globally, with projections suggesting this will reach 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, pointed out that dementia not only takes away memories and dignity from those affected but also impacts their loved ones.
In the U.S. alone, over 16 million people provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for relatives or friends with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The CDC highlights that about two-thirds of dementia caregivers are women, with many in the “sandwich generation,” balancing care for both their aging parents and young children.
Given the growing number of people affected by dementia, change is essential. Teepa Snow is one individual striving to improve care for those with dementia. Her TikTok videos, which provide practical advice, have garnered millions of views, resonating with countless people impacted by this condition.
Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist who specializes in dementia care, shares a wealth of knowledge through her videos. From clarifying the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s to advising against saying phrases like “you don’t look like you have dementia,” her content covers a wide array of topics. One of her standout techniques is the Hand-under-Hand® method. This approach involves placing your hand under the hand of the person with dementia, allowing them to feel supported while still feeling a sense of control over their movements.
As someone whose father has been living with Alzheimer’s for several years, I’ve found immense value in Teepa’s insights. In one of her videos, she mentioned that her mission is to help people avoid harmful mistakes when interacting with those living with dementia. I’ve certainly made my share of errors, feeling lost on how to engage with my dad. But I’m eager to learn.
For those of us in the “sandwich generation,” Teepa offers sage advice on discussing dementia with our kids. She suggests first finding out if they’ve noticed any changes in their loved one. If they have, you can gently validate their feelings and relate it to something they understand. For example, if a child notices that a grandparent forgets their name, you might say, “Yes, Nana is having a tough time with her memory, just like you sometimes forget where you put your toys.”
I often feel unsure when my dad calls me by my mom’s name. Teepa advises embracing the moment with a lighthearted response, like saying, “You’re right! I look just like her!” If the name confusion continues, she suggests letting it slide since repeated corrections can be counterproductive.
Engaging with someone who has advanced dementia can be daunting, but Teepa recommends activities like listening to familiar music, looking at pictures, or simply spending time outdoors together. It’s crucial to communicate in a deeper tone, as this can help create a calming atmosphere.
For caregivers, Teepa emphasizes the importance of self-care. You can’t effectively care for others if you’re depleted yourself. Prioritizing sleep, healthy eating, and personal time is vital for maintaining the energy needed to support a loved one. She also highlights the value of building a care team, which can include family, friends, and professionals, to share the caregiving load.
Ultimately, Teepa reminds us that navigating this journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and it shouldn’t be undertaken alone.
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In summary, Teepa Snow’s advice is invaluable for anyone caring for someone with dementia, providing practical strategies and a reminder of the importance of self-care and support networks.
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