Archive for March 16th, 2010

Posted on March 16, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

FOR THE ELDER WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE WHEN THE “CARE” SEEMS MORE LIKE AN ASSAULT

The day shift is coming in at Pleasant Acres Nursing Home and Amy has Mrs. Thompson to get up today. “I’d be careful if I were you” says her co-worker Joyce. “She really did a job on Grace yesterday. She had her for a shower and Mrs. Thompson fought so much, she couldn’t give her the shower.”

Yesterday morning – from Mrs. Thompson’s view
I’m sure I heard a knock at the door, but before I can even get out of bed, someone is opening the door and walking into my house. Oh, that light in my eyes is really bright, I can’t see anything.

Who is that standing over me, I don’t know her, why is she in my house? What is she saying? Something about me and taking a shower? Why I see her now and she is just a little girl!

I don’t take showers, I take baths and I certainly don’t need any help from a little girl. I am trying to tell her so, but she doesn’t seem to understand what I am saying.

Why is she pulling at my covers? What is that she is saying about a mess in the bed? I don’t make “messes” in my bed.

What went wrong?
Grace is a new nursing assistant and learned how to give a shower and get someone dressed. Grace did learn how to do the tasks related to her job, and she also attended the classes in dementia. But Grace never really put into practice what she learned about taking care of a person with dementia.

This morning – Amy goes in to get up Mrs. Thompson
Amy knocks on the door to room 102 and says “Good morning Mrs. Thompson, as she enters the room. Amy goes right to the curtains and opens them half-way. She knows Mrs. Thompson is really up in age, and it takes some time for her eyes to adjust to the light.

While Mrs. Thompson is waking up, Amy starts setting thing up for her. She puts everything out in the bathroom to be ready for Mrs. Thompson’s shower. Her favorite soap, Dove, brought in by the family because Amy asked them what her favorite soap is. Several wash cloths and towels, the favorite soap and underwear.

Amy knows Mrs. Thompson is very private and she will need several towels to cover her private parts during the shower.

Amy gets two sets of clothes out so Mrs. Thompson has a choice, which gives her a feeling of being in control of her life.

All the while Amy is getting ready she is talking to Mrs. Thompson, helping her to wake up, get used to her and the sound of her voice. Creating with her voice, a very normal, relaxed environment in the room. (the human voice is known to be very comforting to children, babies and the confused) When Amy is all set up she is ready to approach Mrs. Thompson, who is now wide awake.

“Good morning, Loretta.” Amy is close enough now to make eye contact with Mrs. Thompson. Amy is smiling and continues, “I’m Amy and I’m going to help you this morning.”

See also blogs: January 30, 2009 – Words that help
February 4, 2009 – The senior’s name is so important
July 29, 2009 – When the caregiver of the confused elderly wants to know –             how can I help you understand more?

Virginia Garberding, R.N.
Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois
Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance
www.pleasegettoknowme.com