Susie could still dress herself each morning, although her shirt might be inside out. She could still say “yes” when offered her favorite sweet treat and “no” when someone suggested washing her hair. She still smiled. She still laughed. Yet, at times, the world felt increasingly upside down. It was a feeling she could sense but could no longer fully describe. As aphasia gradually stole her words, expressing those emotions became increasingly difficult.
Time was relentless. By the end of each day, her cognitive reserve had been depleted, like sand slipping through an hourglass. By late afternoon, she was no longer able to independently complete many of the tasks she had managed earlier that morning, including personal hygiene and preparing herself for bed.
Then, during a brief moment of clarity, she described what living with dementia felt like.
Almost unexpectedly, she said it was as though she were looking at herself through a stained-glass window. She could see herself on the other side, but she could not reach her.
It is a simple metaphor, yet one that powerfully illustrates the lived experience of cognitive impairment. Although memory, language, and executive function may gradually decline, the person behind the disease remains. Their identity, emotions, need for dignity, and desire for meaningful human connection persist, even as their ability to communicate those needs changes.
For family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, the ability to understand the perspective of an individual living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or another neurocognitive disorder is fundamental to providing compassionate, person-centered care. Clinical knowledge is essential, but empathy often determines the quality of the caregiving relationship.
At Parkside, we believe exceptional memory care begins with understanding the individual, not simply the diagnosis. Every member of our team is given the opportunity to participate in Dementia Live®, an immersive experiential training designed to simulate many of the sensory, physical, and cognitive challenges experienced by individuals living with dementia. Through this experience, caregivers gain a deeper appreciation for the confusion, frustration, vulnerability, and fatigue that often accompany cognitive decline.
While empathy cannot simply be taught, it can be cultivated through meaningful experience. Education combined with immersive training strengthens compassion, improves communication, and reinforces the principles of person-centered care by reminding us to see the individual before the diagnosis.
The impact of Dementia Live® has been so meaningful that Parkside Port Charlotte periodically opens these educational experiences to members of our community. These events provide family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members with an opportunity to better understand the realities of dementia while gaining practical insight into more compassionate and effective caregiving.
Understanding dementia begins with seeing the person through the stained glass, not simply the disease.
To learn more about our upcoming Dementia Live® experience, or to reserve your place at a future community event, please contact Melissa Vanderbilt-
Bestor, Director of Sales and Marketing. We would be honored to share this meaningful educational experience with you.
Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care
941-207-8609 | parksidemc.com
2595 Harbor Blvd
Port Charlotte, FL 33952