Respect is so important to every one of us. Whether it is respect by family members, friends, the boss, co-workers, or just the occasional wave from a neighbor, we all like to feel like we are valuable, that we have worth. This is absolutely true of those with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
One of the first steps in developing respect is education. Those with Alzheimer's and other dementias have not wished this upon themselves. They did not "catch" it through risky behaviors. They did not check out a menu with an array of illnesses and say, "That is perfect - just what I want for the end of my life."
You may scoff and wonder who would think such nonsense, but many people do. Many people think that diminished cognition is contagious and so they stay away, avoid contact, deny that a loved one or a friend has a problem, most often an incurable one. That is why education is so essential. Instead of running and hiding, good family members and friends reach out with kindness and understanding. By this I do not mean pity. I don't believe anyone enjoys being pitied.
I mean true respect that includes conversations, even when they are confused and make little sense. I mean trips to the store, even when the trip is not simple. I mean treating an individual as the wonderful strong, unique person that is still there, maybe disguised or masked by wretched forgetfulness, but an individual who deserves constant and on-going respect - forever.
Monday, April 30, 2018
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Social Inclusion Means Everyone
While we had lots of plans for helping people become actively involved in our community, we also knew that there was one area in which we were lacking: social inclusion for those with dementia, respite so that the full-time caregiver might enjoy a reprieve. Thus Respite Retreat came to fruition.
I had thought and pondered and asked about places to hold this for several years, but was struck not only by the overwhelming task of it all but also finding a place willing to host us. Both the hospital and senior center were open for meetings but they feared the liability that the day care scheme might create. I never could quite understand their fear as anyone of any age and any cognitive level can trip or fall or get scraped. Liability is not isolated to someone with dementia.
At last, after a wonderful conversation with the director of the local Boys and Girls Club, we found a home. Twice a month for two hours caregivers can drop off a loved one knowing that kind and tender caregivers will offer a good time. One of the best surprises in the planning came from the positive reception of our local RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program). Not only were several members willing to help, they actually arrived. Those of you who have planned and counted on others only to be disappointed know exactly what I mean.
For two hours, loved ones play games, sing, create crafts, chat, and flourish. Those in charge for the day have just as much fun as the one being cared for and we all leave enriched. After filling out minimal paperwork, the caregiver is free to run errands, take a walk, or go shopping, but it seems most like to dash away and return quickly so that they too can join the project and conversation of the day. Respite Retreat has been so rewarding.
I had thought and pondered and asked about places to hold this for several years, but was struck not only by the overwhelming task of it all but also finding a place willing to host us. Both the hospital and senior center were open for meetings but they feared the liability that the day care scheme might create. I never could quite understand their fear as anyone of any age and any cognitive level can trip or fall or get scraped. Liability is not isolated to someone with dementia.
At last, after a wonderful conversation with the director of the local Boys and Girls Club, we found a home. Twice a month for two hours caregivers can drop off a loved one knowing that kind and tender caregivers will offer a good time. One of the best surprises in the planning came from the positive reception of our local RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program). Not only were several members willing to help, they actually arrived. Those of you who have planned and counted on others only to be disappointed know exactly what I mean.
For two hours, loved ones play games, sing, create crafts, chat, and flourish. Those in charge for the day have just as much fun as the one being cared for and we all leave enriched. After filling out minimal paperwork, the caregiver is free to run errands, take a walk, or go shopping, but it seems most like to dash away and return quickly so that they too can join the project and conversation of the day. Respite Retreat has been so rewarding.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Social Inclusion and Participation
There are several items that are essential to aging well: good food, exercise, cognitive stimuli, and social inclusion and participation. Everyone likes to feel like s/he is a part of something, whether it is the daily meal at the senior center with friends, a drive into the mountains with a sibling, or just hanging out. Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca has closely studied what we already have to offer in our community and we have also asked, "What else would you like?"
Well, most responses to the latter happened to be activities that already exist, like book clubs, crafting groups, and card clubs. We realized that an important step in promoting social inclusion and participation required that we advertise events better.
Between excellent connections and publishing with our local newspaper, contact with our two radio stations, adding messages to the downtown marquee, and producing a booklet with contact information and event calendar, we feel like we have really reached out to help others become aware of what's happening, when, and where.
We also wanted to get more particular about just what it was people really wanted and what each group had to offer. For example, are folks interested in fiction or non-fiction as far as book clubs are concerned? Does the crafting group greet everyone with open arms, even those who are "crafting challenged"? As for the card club, are members accepted who have some cognitive decline? Is each group patient and helpful? Does each group welcome new participants? And really, are any of these groups well suited to anyone regardless of age, mental cognition, and perhaps a handicapping condition? Some exploration is needed.
Well, most responses to the latter happened to be activities that already exist, like book clubs, crafting groups, and card clubs. We realized that an important step in promoting social inclusion and participation required that we advertise events better.
Between excellent connections and publishing with our local newspaper, contact with our two radio stations, adding messages to the downtown marquee, and producing a booklet with contact information and event calendar, we feel like we have really reached out to help others become aware of what's happening, when, and where.
We also wanted to get more particular about just what it was people really wanted and what each group had to offer. For example, are folks interested in fiction or non-fiction as far as book clubs are concerned? Does the crafting group greet everyone with open arms, even those who are "crafting challenged"? As for the card club, are members accepted who have some cognitive decline? Is each group patient and helpful? Does each group welcome new participants? And really, are any of these groups well suited to anyone regardless of age, mental cognition, and perhaps a handicapping condition? Some exploration is needed.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Housing - Continued
While we have our list ready for contractors and realtors, we also realize that we must remain vigilant to ensure that our message is being heard and our ideas implemented. Too often others make choices for us - like housing amenities - without really consulting to find out what we really want and need to have in a home.
Fortunately, we live in a safe community with strong police and sheriff departments. Members of each staff look out for residents, whether with an occasional check-up visit when there is fear that a resident might wander or just have trouble living alone or a drive-by scan when someone is off on vacation to make sure that a home is fairing well. This is a bonus to local housing.
We also have many parks in our neighborhoods as well as some good sidewalks and walkways. Again, we will continue to work on improvements so that everyone who lives in our community has good access to outdoor spaces and recreational areas.
We have several excellent housing opportunities for those who like to live in apartments or duplexes, especially those that include no maintenance of yards, driveways, or sidewalks. One of the best is Larios Arms, a multi-storied building complex located right next to the senior center. Residents can trot on down for lunch, crafts, and exercise then return home in a flash. Good neighbors here look out for one another making this residence even more inviting.
Just up a long block from Larios is the Community Garden. Many people have small plots within the garden for a vegetable or flower patch. Another goal of age-friendly will be to make this garden even more lovely and accessible: paved pathways, a rose garden, tables and benches in the gazebo, and raised beds. Sounding mighty fine!
Fortunately, we live in a safe community with strong police and sheriff departments. Members of each staff look out for residents, whether with an occasional check-up visit when there is fear that a resident might wander or just have trouble living alone or a drive-by scan when someone is off on vacation to make sure that a home is fairing well. This is a bonus to local housing.
We also have many parks in our neighborhoods as well as some good sidewalks and walkways. Again, we will continue to work on improvements so that everyone who lives in our community has good access to outdoor spaces and recreational areas.
We have several excellent housing opportunities for those who like to live in apartments or duplexes, especially those that include no maintenance of yards, driveways, or sidewalks. One of the best is Larios Arms, a multi-storied building complex located right next to the senior center. Residents can trot on down for lunch, crafts, and exercise then return home in a flash. Good neighbors here look out for one another making this residence even more inviting.
Just up a long block from Larios is the Community Garden. Many people have small plots within the garden for a vegetable or flower patch. Another goal of age-friendly will be to make this garden even more lovely and accessible: paved pathways, a rose garden, tables and benches in the gazebo, and raised beds. Sounding mighty fine!
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Age-Friendly - Housing
After tackling transportation needs and outdoor spaces, the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca Project Team discussed housing. Even though Winnemucca is a small city, housing here is quite expensive. With gold mines flourishing there is a huge demand for new, upgraded, larger homes, which are super for those with good salaries, but tough for people on a fixed income. Many seniors would like to "downgrade" their homes, or at least make their current homes more compatible with aging.
Downgrading refers to finding a smaller, more convenient and efficient home. Many older individuals no longer need (or want) a sprawling 3-4 bedroom home with multiple bathrooms to clean, bathrooms that do not have grab bars and other tools that are helpful for navigating these spaces. Smaller homes are difficult to find here - there is far more money to be had in large homes squeezed onto small lots, than there is in smaller homes, even multi-family complexes. Part of the task of the Project Team has been to inform contractors and realtors of many of the facets that make a home perfect for aging in place.
Some home accoutrements include:
large, easy to grasp handles on all cabinets
lever door knobs for easy manipulation
lever door knobs that when locked do not push down (saves getting locked out or having a wanderer disappear out of the front door)
door hinges that expand for easier access for moving, or for wheelchairs or walkers
single story homes so that stairs are eliminated
some lower counter spaces so that someone in a wheelchair or who needs to be seated to work has easier access
smooth floors for easy of movement (but not slippery surfaces)
elimination of frayed carpet and/or multiple area rugs that can cause tripping
grab bars in showers and tub areas and by toilets
higher toilets for ease of sitting and rising
easy-reach lighting
well-lit areas both inside and outside of the phone
There are many more suggestions. I can forward additional information to you if you send me an email or you can also go online and visit our website www.adf-winnemucca.com or the AARP website. Search: HomeFit.
Downgrading refers to finding a smaller, more convenient and efficient home. Many older individuals no longer need (or want) a sprawling 3-4 bedroom home with multiple bathrooms to clean, bathrooms that do not have grab bars and other tools that are helpful for navigating these spaces. Smaller homes are difficult to find here - there is far more money to be had in large homes squeezed onto small lots, than there is in smaller homes, even multi-family complexes. Part of the task of the Project Team has been to inform contractors and realtors of many of the facets that make a home perfect for aging in place.
Some home accoutrements include:
large, easy to grasp handles on all cabinets
lever door knobs for easy manipulation
lever door knobs that when locked do not push down (saves getting locked out or having a wanderer disappear out of the front door)
door hinges that expand for easier access for moving, or for wheelchairs or walkers
single story homes so that stairs are eliminated
some lower counter spaces so that someone in a wheelchair or who needs to be seated to work has easier access
smooth floors for easy of movement (but not slippery surfaces)
elimination of frayed carpet and/or multiple area rugs that can cause tripping
grab bars in showers and tub areas and by toilets
higher toilets for ease of sitting and rising
easy-reach lighting
well-lit areas both inside and outside of the phone
There are many more suggestions. I can forward additional information to you if you send me an email or you can also go online and visit our website www.adf-winnemucca.com or the AARP website. Search: HomeFit.
Rounding Up Outdoor Spaces for Age-Friendly Project
So back to the sidewalks. The Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca Project looked at the cracked, crumbling, or non-existent sidewalks throughout our community and made some recommendations to the CityCouncil, however, sidewalks are expensive, not budgeted for this fiscal year, and so the sidewalks were set aside for now.
Instead, we studied existing sidewalks in good repair and decided to create some large, weather-proof maps, to place around town in strategic spots. These maps will include sidewalk routes and trails including distances that are already available. At some points along the routes the sidewalks disappear and so we will have a pedestrian area marked alongside the road. At least it is a start.
Many out-of-town guests are not aware of the fantastic trails we have just outside of town for walking, running, or biking. Our maps will really give them a heads-up on some of the wilderness trails that are also close to town with easy access and lots of parking.
And why such an emphasis on outdoor spaces? Being outside is good for the health - whether walking, talking, or just enjoying the view, the out-of-doors is inspiring. Often when people visit a park or other outside areas, they are also with friends. Friends mean socialization and socialization is excellent for good health. Not only does it stimulate brain activity - talking and thinking and reflecting - it also advances emotional well-being. Friendships make such a difference in positive, personal outlook.
Instead, we studied existing sidewalks in good repair and decided to create some large, weather-proof maps, to place around town in strategic spots. These maps will include sidewalk routes and trails including distances that are already available. At some points along the routes the sidewalks disappear and so we will have a pedestrian area marked alongside the road. At least it is a start.
Many out-of-town guests are not aware of the fantastic trails we have just outside of town for walking, running, or biking. Our maps will really give them a heads-up on some of the wilderness trails that are also close to town with easy access and lots of parking.
And why such an emphasis on outdoor spaces? Being outside is good for the health - whether walking, talking, or just enjoying the view, the out-of-doors is inspiring. Often when people visit a park or other outside areas, they are also with friends. Friends mean socialization and socialization is excellent for good health. Not only does it stimulate brain activity - talking and thinking and reflecting - it also advances emotional well-being. Friendships make such a difference in positive, personal outlook.
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