Finding hope for residents with Alzheimer’s
This September is World Alzheimer’s Month to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. At our skilled nursing facilities throughout Ohio and Michigan, we strive to support memory care patients to live life at their maximum capacity. This is especially true during the past several months with limited visitation in skilled nursing facilities.
Sabrina Slaw, dementia unit director at SKLD, says some people don’t realize patients with Alzheimer's are still very capable. Sabrina recounts countless times where patients’ mood and behavior has transformed when they are triggered by music or familiar experiences. “There have been residents who are non-verbal or have limited mobility, and when they are in a space with familiar music, they transform. You can actually see the wheels turning.”
For many residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, these last several months without visitors have been especially challenging. Sabrina says, “Residents are less active and not making attempts to get up and walk around as much. Unfortunately, when they do get active, they try to leave their rooms and are directed back inside.” Knowing this, SKLD staff is working extra hard to give the residents with Alzheimer’s a meaningful experience despite the recent challenges.
A day in the life of an Alzheimer's resident
When it comes to dealing with residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, no two days are alike. Still, the team tries to create some consistency for the residents. Sabrina says, “We aim to get the residents up each day, encourage them to get out of bed, get dressed and into their wheelchairs. Even if they are just in their room, at least they can get a little change of scenery.”
Sabrina says staff are spending a lot of time doing one-to-one activities to keep residents engaged and to maintain a schedule. Some of the residents are unaware of what day it is, so it is important to give them a routine to follow.
The dedicated activities staff move from room to room with a cart full of the residents’ favorite things like magazines, word searches, books, coloring activities and small manipulatives. Sabrina says, “Even just playing a game of cards with them makes such a difference.” The staff is attuned to knowing what activities will suit a resident best, and they work tirelessly to provide them with meaningful entertainment.
Residents can sometimes participate from their doorways in activities such as BINGO. And in good weather, residents are able to go outside, which can be very relaxing.
Getting together with family looks different
Although residents have not been able to visit with family as usual, family members are able to schedule outdoor, socially distant visits and video calls. Sabrina says, “Especially with the changes progressing in memory care residents, it’s important to stay in touch and up to date about their condition.”
Recently, for a resident’s birthday, the admissions director and the resident’s family made a grand celebration while still adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines. The nurses and activities director decorated the hallway with balloons, ordered a cake and celebrated together.
“Our staff has gone above and beyond to be there for the residents. It’s great when the residents have supportive families, but for those who don’t, we are that family. Everyone needs to feel loved, touched and be spoken to in a soft way, and we are here to be there for our residents,” says Sabrina.
Seeing memory care residents struggle with missing guests is not easy for the staff. Sabrina says, “We are trying to find balance and keep the morale of the staff and residents up. We have creative ideas for employee appreciation to keep everyone motivated and positive.”
Alzheimer’s awareness
There is no miracle cure for Alzheimer’s. Sabrina says, “There are drugs to slow down the progression, but there really is no cure.”
Sabrina shares some quick rules to live by to ensure the healthiest life possible:
Eat a balanced, healthy diet to get the nutrients your body and brain need to function.
Limit alcohol and caffeine and refrain from drugs or smoking.
Stay active and keep your mind active. Have a conversation that makes you think, do puzzles, and use fine motor skills by sewing or writing.
Sabrina says, “We all want to be healthy and rewarded with good health. But, of course, it’s truly no one’s fault when it comes to dementia or Alzheimer’s.”
Even when residents have forgotten the message of hope, SKLD staff are there to remind them and share it when it’s needed most.
SKLD facilities offer memory care-specific units at SKLD Zeeland, The Oasis at Hastings, SKLD New Lebanon, SKLD Bryan, SKLD New Lexington and SKLD Perrysburg. Click here to see all our locations,