Posted on August 26, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

FOR THE ELDER WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, OR A DISABILITY – SMALL IMPROVMENTS CAN MAKE AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE

It was the end of a typical support group meeting for caregivers, when the speaker asked as always “Are there any questions?”  And from the back of the room an elderly man said “Tell us some amazing stories, of someone who had your therapy.”

The truth is in healthcare many times the change or improvement isn’t “amazing” by most standards.  For the elderly man Carl, who had lost control of his neck and head, so his head was facing down and he was always looking at the floor. Then the therapist started working with Carl, and his neck became stronger and he is now able to hold his head up. This is “amazing” for Carl and his quality of life.

Now when Carl is walking down the hall with his walker, he can smile at people and see who is greeting him. Carl can see where he is going and enjoy the environment around him. Carl is much safer in his movements around the Nursing Facility and can make new friends.

For the man with Parkinson’s disease who hears the music playing during music therapy. And then for some unknown reason is able to stand for the first time in a long time and dance with his wife for even a few steps, this is “amazing.” Even though it took two caregivers to assist him back to his chair to sit down. For him, those few steps when they danced were amazing.

These aren’t the moments that you will see in a TV special or in a movie theatre. People are so used to seeing things on a grand, larger than life scale. But sometimes it is the small success that is so rewarding for people who work in healthcare.

While the man at the support group meeting probably didn’t want a story about someone like Carl now able to raise his head and say “Hi” to people. It might not be splashy, but for Carl it really is amazing.

Virginia Garberding, R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Ne – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegettoknowme.com