Surroundings Make a Difference with Alzheimer’s Care
Posted: Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008 - 03:52:44 pm PDT
According to statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, one in eight baby boomers will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by the time they turn 65. By 2010, about 500,000 Americans will be diagnosed each year.
Assisted Living facilities are in a unique position to help families keep expectations realistic while exploring new care options. Persons with dementia actually have quality to their lives, and merit non-custodial, person-centered, affirming care. Together, the goals of assisted living and Alzheimer’s care are highly synergistic. The ongoing challenge for providers is handling changing medication regimens, separating fact from fad, and supporting families.
Of the treatment options currently in use, studies suggest that taking anti-dementia drugs can extend a person’s life span by three years, and those individuals in care settings respond better to caregivers when addressed in a respectful, normal voice. The most important component of good quality care is the human connection – for which data indicates that even simple positive interactions relate to better quality of life for the residents.
Look for less of that dementia unit at the end of the hall with locked doors. The day-to-day needs of a resident are no different from those of any other assisted living residents. Communication may be different, but their need for choices and stimulation is very much the same.
Today, those that provide senior living have yet another reason to make this active engagement of their residents a priority. Not only will residents feel happier, they’ll also live longer. According to recent research published in American Psychologist, about 17 percent of Americans are “flourishers” (those individuals who are engaged and thrive in community environments).
According to the study, flourishers “have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and community, and are healthier than ‘languishers’ (about 10 percent of adults who don’t feel good about themselves)”. “Most of us fall somewhere in between.”
The design of facilities for Alzheimer’s residents is similar for other assisted living residents. All residents benefit when there is plenty of natural light, indoor and outdoor spaces designed to encourage socialization and physical activity and neighborhood clusters to help with socialization. The ongoing effect of these environmental elements – or the absence – can be more dramatic for residents with Alzheimer’s. If an assisted living resident is unable to see because of deteriorating vision and poor lighting, they are less likely to get up and move around. If the resident also has dementia, then the poor lighting can contribute to agitation, depression, and other behavior problems. It is also recommended to encourage residents to spend more time outside. This can greatly help behavior and sleep.
Alzheimer’s affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves; therefore, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s requires flexibility and patience. Residents may behave in uncharacteristic ways; for instance, they may become angry, suspicious, or extremely dependent, even though these qualities were never part of their personality before they developed Alzheimer’s.
As the Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the resident might exhibit agitation, which includes becoming restless, anxious or upset. These can also trigger pacing, dependency, or a tendency to obsess over details of a particular situation.
When addressing agitation, caregivers must be trained to listen as they express their frustration. They may give them a clue about what is upsetting them, which can then be used to devise a new strategy or approach. It’s also beneficial that the caregiver reassures the resident that they are there to provide help and comfort.
Often times, redirecting the resident to an enjoyable activity, such as a game or art project that they find pleasurable, can often improve the behavior. Agitation is sometimes due to a noisy or distracting environment, so relocating the resident to a calmer area may be all that is needed.
One of the more dangerous behaviors among individuals with Alzheimer’s is wandering. The resident may think that they are going to work or going home. They must have plenty of supervised activity to channel their energy and reduce the frequency of wandering. If they are intent on wandering, redirecting them to another activity can be an effective strategy. Alzheimer’s disease affects perception in such a way that common interventions can help curb wandering. For example, a dark doormat on the floor in front of a doorway may look like a hole to the resident, preventing them from exiting.
Studies have found that reduced dementia risk was most strongly associated with participation in activities including visiting with friends and relatives, activities like playing card games, and hobbies.
Studies have found that cognitive activity, including social interaction with persons with strong minds, can help reduce dementia decline. Studies suggest a link between low social activity and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
In the end, the most important component of good quality care is the human connection, where data indicates that even simple positive interactions relate to a better quality of life for the residents. Keeping the resident both physically and emotionally active, in surroundings designed for social interaction with residents without the disease, creates a good chance of success for a happy and fulfilling life.
