Author Archives: Debbie Selsalvage

Debbie Selsalvage's Articles

Coping with Dementia: Alzheimer’s – What’s in a Name?

Many times, I have heard a family member struggling with a parent living with dementia say, “My mother is in denial!  If I could only… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Sometimes we just need Magic!

One of the difficulties with dementia care can be that we go into it with a negative attitude.  This is understandable.  It is terrible disease… Read More

9th Annual Coping with Dementia Partner Care Conference will be April 20 in Beverly Hills

Back around 2012, I had just earned my license to become an assisted living and memory care administrator, and my partner Ed and I were… Read More

Coping with Dementia: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dementia

“PTSD” means “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”  It is not a disease; it is a syndrome, a collection of symptoms and behaviors that can emerge after… Read More

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