ENID, OK - Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia illness. It can take a toll not only on the individual, but on family and caregivers. It’s a disease that attacks the brain, which causes impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Those that have Alzheimer’s may experience behavior and personality changes; also some confusion, impaired judgment, trouble finishing thoughts, following directions, and difficulty finding words. Symptoms may leave those with Alzheimer’s incapable of taking care of themselves at home alone. When this happens, they are often placed in a nursing home to receive 24-hour care. Although family and friends may visit their loved one in the nursing home for the initial few weeks or months, in many cases, as months go by and the years pass, those visits become seldom or none.
When a resident has Alzheimer’s they need interaction more than ever, as they will experience personality changes, mood swings, and poor memory of recent events. As the disease progresses, they become even more confused and may have difficulty recognizing family and friends. Please do not attempt to force or demand your loved one to remember you or past events. However, interacting with an Alzheimer’s resident in positive ways can help them to remember people, places and things on their own. Even if memories do not come back, they still need to be loved where they are at moment in time. Family and friends who are struggling with how to interact with their loved one, please seek out support groups in your area or seek counseling services from a mental health professional.
Ombudsmen Supervisors and volunteers visit with residents in the nursing homes, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. Ombudsmen advocate for the rights of each resident. Ombudsman volunteers inform the residents of their rights, empower the resident, and provide informal problem solving. Volunteers undoubtedly help to improve the quality of life and the quality of care for the residents. To learn more about Alzheimer’s in nursing homes, or in attending a new volunteer virtual training, contact an Ombudsman Supervisor, Megan Kirby (mkirby@ltcaenid.org) or Steve Torres (storres@ltcaenid.org) or call 580-237-2236.
