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WATCH: Using a Montessori Approach to Enhance Quality of Life for Persons with Dementia

Author Interview: Kris Cichowski

When changes occur in memory or cognition, families often take the path of least resistance and minimize involvement in social and recreation activity.  Author Kristine Cichowski shares strategies for using a Montessori approach to promote engagement and inclusion.

Using a Montessori Approach to Enhance Quality of Life for Persons with Dementia - Book Signing and Talk

When changes occur in memory or cognition, families often take the path of least resistance and minimize involvement in social and recreation activity. Author Kristine Cichowski shares strategies for using a Montessori approach to promote engagement and inclusion from her book – Living with Dementia Doesn’t Mean You Stop Living.

Power To Understand - Brain Injury Awareness

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

When you hear that a neighbor, friend, or family member sustained a brain injury, you may ask yourself, “What does that mean?” Understanding your challenges can help you teach others about what a brain injury is and isn’t.

Power to Teach - Lead By Example

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

There’s an extensive amount of literature on developing healthy, happy, and independent children. One area we all could use a little boost on is helping kids and young adults to value what it means and what it takes to be a family caregiver.

Power to Reassure - Getting Organized

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

For some reason, we all think and convince ourselves that we’ve got time. All is good. Crisis is over. We can take care of it tomorrow. In reality, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.

Power to Persevere: (Re)Build Relationships

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

There are many road blocks and detours in caregiving and chronic illness that can throw you off schedule or discourage you from staying connected to others. Being open to new approaches or activities is key, but sheer determination to not let your caregiving or health situation get the best of you is what really makes the difference in your relationship success.

Power To Motivate

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

Had my Dad been around today, he would have been 100 years old. July 14, 1921 was indeed a very great day. These few thoughts about my hero - Carl Sigle - barely reflect the magnitude of his impact in my life. Read on to get a glimpse of why I feel this way.

Power To Lead - Promote Ability and Inclusion

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

Since the passage of the ADA in 1990, access, inclusion, and equality for people with disabilities have certainly changed for the better. A few areas still exist where we could use a bit of help and growth. Some of this lies in our communication and interpersonal skills.

Power To Inspire

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

My life has been blessed by many strong, wise, and courageous women who took time to share their knowledge, lift my spirit, and lighten my load. The first person that comes to mind of “a woman who inspired me to become the woman I am today” is my mom, Kiki Sigle.

Power To Influence

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

People from all walks of life have the ability to positively influence the lives of others. It could be during a casual conversation with friends or during an exchange of ideas with co-workers to sharing stories with children or young adults.

Power to Explore - Reinvent Yourself

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

Research shows that prolonged family caregiving can actually lead to developing poor eating habits, weight gain, bouts of depression, and social isolation. it’s important to know that you have an opportunity to make a change for the better. It’s easier than you think, as long as you’re honest with yourself.

Power To Enjoy - Living With Purpose

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

The month of November is recognized across the country as National Family Caregiver Month. As we honor the 43.5 million family members who care for a person with a disability or chronic illness, take time to explore the community and reap the bene ts created by the American’s with Disability Act. Help your loved one and your family live life with purpose.

Power To Engage: Living with Dementia - Communication Tips for Families and Friends

One of the many challenges facing families and friends of persons with dementia is developing effective ways to communicate and stay engaged with their loved one.

Power to Connect - Expanding Your Network

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

We tend to not think too much about our resource network when life is rolling along just fine. It’s easy to forget that ties with friends and family don’t just happen and more importantly that our connections to each other and the community shift as we age. Your network and its strength are impacted by the ebb and flow of life. Paying attention and taking time to develop relationships throughout your life with various types of people is a key component in building a strong resource network.

Power to Change - Shift Gears and Stay Active

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

Being realistic, open minded, and willing to address transportation needs with a plan to ensure that your loved one can continue to get out and stay connected with others can bring peace of mind and support long-term health and wellness.

Power To Believe - Ask And Receive

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

Change is occurring at many levels throughout America. One change in particular pertains to gender roles in family caregiving. For decades the majority of family caregivers were women. A recent study by AARP revealed a new dynamic.Forty percent of today's family caregivers are men. The following helpful hints apply to all caregivers, but in particular to men.

Power To Advocate - It Starts From Within

By Kristine Cichowski, MS

Sometimes when you least expect it, you have a learning experience that leaves a significant imprint in your life. This has happened to me.The most significant was when I sustained a serious leg injury that completely incapacitated me. I had spent my entire career providing care and advocating for others. I now found myself on the other side of the table.

Personal Reflections - Kristine Cichowski

Park Ridge Living Magazine - Sponsor Spotlight

An interview by Park Ridge Living Magazine provides personal reflections from POWER TO BE’s President & CEO, Kristine Cichowski. Read more to get a glimpse of Kristine’s background and what influenced her to establish POWER TO BE.

Living With Dementia Doesn’t Mean You Stop Living

Practical strategies to enhance quality of life for your loved one and yourself

Living with Dementia Doesn't Mean You Stop Living Book CoverAlzheimer's disease can turn your life upside down. It is not unusual to struggle with effective interactions. E nhance your ability to support quality of life at all stages of this disease. This easy to read book is designed to help all persons involved in dementia care – caregivers, family, friends, and health professionals.

Living With Dementia - Tips for Outings and Family Gatherings

By Kristine Cichowski, MS, CDP, CMDPC

Holidays and family gatherings can be challenging for families living dementia. Consider the following tips for a hassle-free experience.
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