To move forward, let’s learn together.

Knowledge is our friend. Let’s recognize it and share it.

What is there to Learn?

The Scholly Stages

• The Most Important

The first stage is so named because it’s important. At in-person meetings learn the importance of an early diagnosis. What needs to happen first? Why is sooner better than later?

Is there really a problem? Why see a doctor, and what is elder law? Learn the importance of brain and body connections. Key words in the Most Important stage: knowledge, understanding,
trust, and communication.

• The Most Demanding

This day doesn’t arrive; it slowly morphs into our lives.

During this time a patient becomes more dependent and is more confused more often. At first, they are aware of their changing behaviors.

For caregivers, this is a time to learn. A time to develop new communication and listening skills. A time to move forward.

• The Most Difficult

Like The Blob, Stage Three oozes into every part of our being.

Caregivers experience emotional highs and lows for a decade or more. It’s also a time to transition from denial to acceptance.

In-person discussions are sensitive to the topic of saying goodbye, allowing time for grief, and being respectful of others’ feelings.

Keep it simple; take one step at a time.

When dementia or Alzheimer’s is a problem, use the Scholly Stages as a guide.

Caregiving is more than the physical demands of daily care. It requires mental management of these demands. Another challenge, keeping a positive attitude.

Everyone has a choice; to avoid a situation and remain stagnant, or to move forward. Which choice is harder, and which has a future? To make that choice it requires a first step.

It’s time to approach old problems in new ways.

To communicate well we must first listen. Are you a good listener? Yes? Most of us believe we are, yet it doesn’t hurt to discover new ways to do it.

We communicate both verbally and non-verbally, in addition to written and visual communication. As a caregiver, what other forms of communication should be used and why are they important?