Today, I’m bringing supplies and new ideas to the Memory Care Unit of the Mansion. I’ve been scouring research sites online for new ideas for memory care patients.
I found several. I’m also bringing watercolor paint; they are running out. Monday, I bought 15 units of shampoo, body wash, and air conditioner. I’m also getting a box of watercolor canvases for Jane and other people in Memory Care.
I’m intrigued by some of the new games and puzzles I bring. They are specially designed for people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. One is a strategy game, and the other is picture books that tell stories and permit the readers to make up their own. I’ve never seen either of these before; I’m excited to see how they work.
Strategy games are a new generation of activities that try to do things with the person rather than for them. They focus on the things the person can do rather than those they can’t. They allow plenty of time for tasks and offer reassurance and encouragement if needed. They break tasks down into smaller steps.
At the Mansion, I often see frustrated family members correcting the patients, arguing with them, and trying to fix them. I don’t say anything; it’s not my place to—step in.
Families often find it frustrating when their mothers or father can’t remember their names or their dogs or family histories. In my work with the residents, I’ve learned to go where they go. When they tell me that Zinnia is ten years old for the tenth time, I nod and smile.
When they ask me over and over what my name is, I tell them and smile and ask them theirs.
There is no point in correcting them. They can’t help themselves any more than I can fly.
I’ll bring the games and puzzles over today; the aides will let me know how it goes.
This is the sort of thing the money sent by the Army Of Good makes possible in my Mansion, Memory Care, and refugee work. If you can and wish to contribute, please consider it. You can send money through my blog support, via Paypal, [email protected], or Venmo, Jon Katz@Jon-Katz-13.
Or you donate by check, Jon Katz, Mansion/Refugee Fund, P.O. Box 205, State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Please note if the donation is for my blog, or the Mansion, or Memory Care, for a need I choose, or for the refugee children
My mom had dementia. The best advice I got was from a police officer, oddly enough. He very kindly told me what I was in for … And he was spot on. I put her in a memory care hospital which she didn’t resist a bit, but she so missed her two cats! They let families bring pets to visit, so I did that for a while … Until she paid no attention to them on one visit. My cat lady mom no longer remembered them. It was a blessing in the midst of her decline. Of course I took them in … And spoiled them as she would have wanted. And in the couple of years that followed, I continued to bring my dog, Annie, who took to visiting her and a couple of other patients like it was a great outing. Then, one day Annie was done with it! A few days later mom died. I guess Annie knew it was coming soon.
working with people who have memory loss or dementia does take a very special person….and it is certainly an ability most people don’t have…..for many reasons. No exposure? or pure denial and fear? As a society….this is not really discussed by and large. As you mention….. most people’s *instinct* is to correct the confused person, due to their own frustration……. but stepping back and allowing their minds to flow as they will and accepting them ….is certainly the best gift we can give them. Even after a 40 yr. nursing career…..I never had true first hand experience with this until both my parents were nearing end of life and in varying stages of confusion and dementia. I still thank Hospice every day for gently guiding me and teaching me how to embrace and understand….rather than *fight* . This post brought it all to mind again today……thank you, Jon. Poignant and very meaningful post
Susan M