Trending
Hello readers! I want to let you know this is my first time writing a column and I appreciate you taking time to stop and check it out.
Alzheimer's disease, and related dementia, has been at the forefront of my professional career for more than 25 years. I was the first Dementia Unit Coordinator (has a much fancier title now) for the first Dementia Unit (also much fancier title) in the state of West Virginia, right here in little ol' Elkins.
I have more than 40 years of experience working with people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It all started, as Sophia Petrillo would say, picture this... Bowden, 1987, when I was 12 years old and my mom wanted to start a board and care home in our house. She, and my father, added on four large bedrooms and bathrooms, and for the most part, it was a lot of fun. Who doesn't love having four new grandparents to dote over you?
But, on snow days, when I was ready to watch "Punky Brewster" or "The Price is Right," I had to watch "As the World Turns." Back in those days, there was only one tv per house, but after a few weeks or so, I got sucked in, just like everyone else, and as much as I tried to fight it, that is when my love for daytime soap operas began. Once I got the VCR time to stop flashing, I would record "Days of Our Lives," and did so for many years after that.
During those teenage years, my sister and I had the great pleasure of providing assistance to the residents. We would set up the dining room table, serve meals, clean up after, help with laundry and make beds. I loved it. It did not seem like work, although I am sure I complained a time or two because I would rather be outside, riding my four-wheeler... such a WV statement!
Curing this time, I met several very special people, but one man stood out. A lovely man who could tell a great story... stories about his childhood, his love for baseball and family, and ultimately being a United States Senator for the great state of WV. He was so very interesting and had great wit and humor. I will treasure those stories forever.
It was very surreal as I realized this funny, jolly man with a contagious laugh, whom my elementary school was named after, was Jennings Randolph. I think spending time with him, and all the other wonderful residents in our home, guided me into the geriatric field, with a special emphasis on dementia.
Looking back on that time of my life, I now know that caregivers, loved ones and friends, need to "live" in the reality of the one being cared for. This reality differs so much from our reality, and allowing the person to enjoy the now, is essential to a successful day. Thankfully, I was not a brat (well, I am sure my siblings would say otherwise) and did not turn the channel, and fell into their here and now.
The first, and one of the most important lessons for caregivers, is to live in the moment. Alzheimer's disease robs the person of past memories, and being able to look forward to events to come. They only know "To Live in the Moment." Bring joy, happiness, and love... in the moment.
This weekly column will focus on my journey with Alzheimer's disease, both personally and professionally, and my need to help caregivers with their own journey.
Although some ideas work well universally, many excellent opportunities are based on the individual needs and past experiences.
Those previous experiences are partly based on what stage of dementia they are in, where they grew up, their career path, their faith and support system, and so much more.
I want to communicate "best practices" and I hope to do this was some humor, because, as we all know, laughter is the best medicine.
If you have questions or things you would like to know more about, please write in to The Inter Mountain at 520 Railroad Ave., Elkins, WV 26241, or send email to bjohnson@theintermountain.com.