I'm Still Here

Depression in Seniors

As their world closes in on them, they become depressed. Wouldn't you? If you found yourself unable to do what you used to do, shut out of conversations because you can no longer follow what's being said, and being very much alone when you used to be surrounded by family... wouldn't that cause you to be a little bit sad?

Add to that the fog of Dementia. I am convinced that many of those with Dementia and/or Alzheimer's, know that they've "lost it". They know this on one level or another. I cried when I watched the video for the song 'I'm Not Me Anymore'. I cry every single time. This loss of self is very great. If you have an elderly parent or loved one who is walking the lonely path of losing themselves, please accept that they are grieving, and will grieve, and may even take this out on you. Get their vitamin levels checked, make sure they are getting adequate nourishment and hydration, and love them where they are and "when" they are.

If you'd like, you may read about how my day with Rose went, yesterday...

Are you "Ensuring" your elders' health?

What do you offer if your senior just doesn't feel like eating a meal?

We've been brainwashed by commercials about "nutritional support" for seniors. Go to any Assisted Living facility or Group Home for seniors and you'll more than likely see little plastic bottles or little cans of vanilla (flavored), chocolate (flavored), or strawberry (flavored) drinks which are supposed to nutritionally support the clients.

Have you read the labels?

Take a moment and do so. And then seriously think about whether those ingredients support anyone's health.

I'll discuss some alternatives later this week. Meanwhile - consider offering organic vegetable juice and/or fruit juice (whole food juicing, not bottled liquid taken from the fruit or vegetable), rather than a plastic bottle of heat-processed, oil-filled, sweetened food substitute! Trust me - they'll feel much better!

I raise my glass to you!

I Hear Music

All through the day my client with Dementia heard music yesterday. How do you handle it when you are with a family member or client who sees or hears things that aren't there?

"Do you hear that?" she would say.

"I don't, but this is Christmas time - so it's probably a neighbor playing Christmas music. I drive my neighbors crazy with mine!"

"Do you hear that?" (five minutes later)
"Sometimes the dryer sounds like music!"
"Oh, that's probably it."

"Do you hear that?" (ten minutes later)
"Not sure what you hear - but I do hear a power tool outside - sort of sounds like a man's voice singing."

"Do you hear that?" (well, you get the idea)

It's Possible

Ralph served as a Colonel in the US Air Force. He was a proud man, right up until the end of his 90 years on earth. He was also very fond of jokes; both good and "questionable". We shared one, which I would like to share with you.

One morning little Johnny was getting ready to go to town with Mother.
"Johnny, did you wash up?" asked Mother. "Yes, Mother. I washed up as far as possible, and down as far as possible."

Bathing and Toileting Elderly With Dignity

How do you get your elderly relative or client to allow you to assist them in the bathroom? This can be tricky. Here are a few tips:

• Approach it as naturally as you approach making them a meal. Your relaxed and matter-of-fact approach will make it part of the routine.
• Assume they will accept your help. I swear this works wonders. If you assume they will fight you; they will. If you assume they will let you help them, they somehow sense this is the right thing to do.
• Look into their eyes while assisting them. Make every effort not to openly stare toward private areas. This takes a little practice!

On the Lighter Side

Elderly care has many funny moments. Some aren't necessarily meant to be... but those of you who care for elderly parents or other relatives already know that! The fact that the person who has Dementia may or may not be aware of their own age and capabilities can be dangerous, or hilarious. Yesterday was hilarious.I had gotten Rose up, surprisingly easily. More on that at another time. She finished her breakfast and we sat together at the kitchen table watching the birds flocking to her bird feeder. She realized it was her bird feeder. That may sound funny unless you've been with a person who has Dementia or Alzheimer's.

A beautiful Northern Flicker came to visit. We were discussing how much larger she was than the other birds, her distinct markings, etc. I said "You know, you can buy meal worms to feed those birds. Some people put out little dishes of worms, or stick them into holes in a little log for the Flickers and other woodpeckers to find." She looked at me in surprise.