This is such a warmhearted article regarding Alzheimer’s care;
"PHOENIX — Margaret Nance was, to put it mildly, a difficult case. Agitated, combative, often reluctant to eat, she would hit staff members and fellow residents at nursing homes, several of which kicked her out. But when Beatitudes nursing home agreed to an urgent plea to accept her, all that changed.
The Vanishing Mind
Disregarding typical nursing-home rules, Beatitudes allowed Ms. Nance, 96 and afflicted with Alzheimer’s, to sleep, be bathed and dine whenever she wanted, even at 2 a.m. She could eat anything, too, no matter how unhealthy, including unlimited chocolate....."
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/health/01care.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&ref=homepage&src=me&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1294426876-XQZU6QlQpM4L6xqQx8ZmnA
Source: nytimes.com
puppy
this is such a good way forward as it takes into account the loss of memory and routine that the patient may be suffering with and lets face it they often get things wrong or loose track of time and want to indulge in chocolate even if its bad for them
dementia homes are now being run along these lines enter the patients world dont attempt to bring them into yours
great post as always
loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
Thank you for the information Domestic, I do think that it's so important to keep a dementia patient in a routine that works for them and not trying to force yours on them. Unfortunately, I think that's what happened to my grandmother and it made her much more. She's really so disconnected from us now, it's quite sad.
puppy
i think thats why so many old folk have problems in care homes its never easy to have a routine imposed when u have all your facalites let alone when u dont
it seems to make everything inpesonal somehow and lacking in love and vitality
but we can hope the winds of change are coming
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
I really do hope that there will be a change across the board. I feel like when the dementia is there and someone else's schedule is imposed upon you, it makes it that much worse and you disconnect more and more.
I'm praying for a change...
puppy
my oldest son who is a special needs dementia nurse actually goes to these places as night care when needed he normally works in the community with them and their carers but occasionally the homes need someone and he says its so much better than when he first started nursing, he does a meds round and then finds himself having lunch or playing bingo with one old gentleman and it makes his night he is called mr pooty by this man and is always being told about how they grand it was that they did this that and the other back in what obviously are the mans younger days does it hurt my son to agree and nod in the right places or engage in the conversation he has heard over and over again ? no it doesnt and its the bit he likes most about nursing so i hope it spreads as well
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
Oh my goodness, your son is a blessing and an angel breathing life into these homes. His patients are so incredibly blessed with his presence and time. He is making such an immense difference in their lives and I really do hope that his care taking style spread amongst us globally. We could use millions of care takers with his wonderful and special outlook. Thank you so much for sharing that with me, though it doesn't surprise me that you have such an amazing child, as he is clearly a reflection of you.
puppy
thank u for that its makes me very proud that he is a product of his upbringing and not his genetic gene pool, it makes every step of the journey with him to date worth every effort we put in
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
You clearly did such a phenomenal job raising an amazing son. What an massive accomplishment. I don't quite know what it is to be a parent yet, but I see how much time energy and effort my parents have put in with us, and their parenting is still in full effect. They guide us, love and care for us, and I don't think they'll ever stop.
puppy
i find it harder now they are adults there are so many things out there that i cant protect them from that i think its worst now then when they were little but so far the early years parenting is still holding strong for them and the next generation but i do worry more just because u never know in this day and age
love ya
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
I can completely see that and understand. I see how much my parents worry and I do believe that it's because our lives are more out of their hands and control. Having a single daughter alone in a big city definitely adds to their worry quite a bit, but they did a good job raising me and feel that they instilled wisdom in order to be able to tackle everyday life. Just as you did with your son :-)
puppy
:D
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
it sounds good. my husband as alzimes dementa and a diabetic i find it hard to refuse husband food but ive been told he will have a stroke doesnt help me having breast cancer last year.he gets very angry when i try to restrict him food intake thought retirement would be good but i wonder
paulinee
i know thats one of the hardest things is to see how hurt they are when u are trying to do something to help and they dont see/understand why u are doing it
my son is normally in the community and visiting people like yourself to help out with meds and just in general to offer support and advice about how to cope day to day with the narrowing world of this illness
take care of u
love D :)
thanks for your reply woday
wuld like to chat with you one day
paulinee
paulinee
am more than happy to chat with u hon just let all your emotions and anxieties out and i will do my best to help out although a trouble shared is one halved
look after yourself and i hope u had a reasonable day today
love D :)