Guest columnist Nanette Roser is a Registered Nurse from North Olmsted.
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.
As a long-term-care director of nursing, I have many fond memories from throughout my career. One memory stands out in particular.
At the nursing facility where I worked, we had a unique experience involving a patient with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease that highlighted the importance of meeting people where their minds are.
For this article, we will call her Beth.
Beth had been a dedicated nurse at a very prestigious hospital until she began to have symptoms of Alzheimer’s. She was ambulatory and loved to walk all around the facility. Though she was non-verbal, her actions spoke louder than words.
Beth would frequently stand near the medication cart, a habit due to her past service as a nurse.
To provide her with a sense of purpose, we began to foster her memories and skills. We created a pretend patient chart for Beth so that she could continue with her former role. This gave her a sense of responsibility and, in doing so, honored the professional she once was.
This highlights the critical aspect of Alzheimer’s care: the need to align with the patient’s perceived reality. Acting as a nurse provided Beth with a sense of familiarity.
We also introduced a baby doll to Beth. This approach, known as doll therapy, can be very impactful for Alzheimer’s patients. Even though she was non-verbal, Beth appeared to be very comfortable in caring for the doll and kept the doll with her often.
Beth’s family was apprehensive regarding this therapy, which is a common feeling for families. However, once they observed how content Beth was with the doll, they began to understand the doll therapy’s benefits.
Beth was a mother as well as a nurse, so caring for the doll reinforced her nurturing instincts.
Although these may seem like small gestures — allowing Beth to interact with the pretend patient chart and the baby doll — we noticed a positive change and increased calmness.
Based on the wonderful experience with Beth, here are a few tips for caregivers and family members dealing with Alzheimer’s.
• Remember their past roles, creating activities that bring them comfort.
• Find simple ways to incorporate their past routines into their current environment.
• Use familiar items to provide them with positive memories.
• Educate family members and/or caregivers on the benefits of helpful therapies.
• Just be there and reassure them. Sometimes, all they need is a quiet presence and a friendly hand to hold.
Alzheimer’s is a challenging journey for patients, families and caregivers. Understanding their world allows us to provide them with respect and dignity.
During my time with Beth, I learned that being empathetic is more than just providing good nursing care. It is putting yourself in their shoes. Or, in Beth’s case, standing by a med cart and cradling a baby doll.
National Caregivers Month is a great opportunity to check in with the caregivers in your life and ask how you can help.
If someone you love is showing signs of aging that seem unusual, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 216-342-5556. They are here to help, and their educational programs, support groups and resources are free to the community.
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