By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
Mrs. Blackburn just turned 83 years old and lives in her own apartment. About a year ago, she was diagnosed with dementia.
Her daughter, Maria, and family live less than five miles away. Over the past several years, they have all pitched in to ensure Mrs. Blackburn remains safe and comfortable in her apartment. Pre-COVID-19, they would have her over for dinner weekly, taking her out shopping, to church and various other community outings.
Of course, everything changed over the past year. But for Mrs. Blackburn, the pandemic not only changed her daily life; it also escalated her dementia.
Maria’s three sons, one in college and two high school, have not been able to spend time with their Grandma due to COVID-19. Mrs. Blackburn has been isolated at home. The isolation, lack of routine, and non-engagement has taken its toll. Maria decided to hire a caregiver to come to her mom’s apartment five days a week while Maria fills in on the weekends. The caregiver ensures Mrs. Blackburn takes her medications, prepares meals, does laundry, and most importantly, makes sure Mrs. Blackburn remains safe in her home.
The biggest challenge is keeping Mrs. Blackburn engaged. It has become more and more difficult to get her out of bed and dressed for the day. She seems to have lost interest in just about everything.
Keeping those with dementia engaged often becomes difficult as their condition and symptoms progress. We all need purpose and meaning in our lives, regardless of age, ability or diagnosis. As we move through different chapters in our life, our purpose may change, but we still need purpose to give our lives meaning. Individuals with dementia are no different.
The challenge when supporting individuals with dementia is finding activities that match one’s abilities and interests without being overwhelming. Individuals with dementia — when engaged in pleasurable activities — can experience positive feelings, reduced anxiety and irritability, and can find meaning and purpose in their days.
Keeping people engaged begins with identifying what the individual’s past life was like — their work, hobbies and interests. Some examples:
- Home – If someone took care of and ran the household, being a part of those activities daily can be important and meaningful, no matter the level or ability of participation. Fold laundry, dry dishes, set the table, make the bed, dust, wipe counters. Even if a task is not done completely, correctly, or is done repeatedly, it does not matter. Being a part of the household does. Ask the individual if they can help by folding the towels, matching up the socks, etc. Being asked to help will often elicit a willingness to participate and can be much more effective than asking, “What do you want to do?”
- Work – Did the individual work in an office, at a desk, writing, typing or working with numbers? If so, set up a desk, include simple office supplies, and ask them to copy a simple letter, paragraph or sentence; sort cards; label folders; cut out pictures or articles from newspapers or magazines; complete simple worksheets, etc. Let the individual know that you appreciate their help with a “project” you are working on. Engaging in purposeful activities does not mean neat, orderly and keeping within the lines; the act of completing a task specifically after being asked helps to create purpose.
- Maintenance Tasks – Did the individual fix, repair, build or sew? Sanding wood; sorting screws, nuts, bolts or buttons can be useful. Find small gadgets that can be taken apart and put back together; material or yarn that needs to be cut, sorted, tied, folded or knotted to help keep individuals engaged.
Be creative. If an activity does not seem to fit today, do not hesitate to try another day or at another time of day. If individuals are engaged, even for small periods of time, this will help build purpose, meaning and routine.
Photo courtesy pexels.com
Original article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogger/maintaining-purpose-despite-dementia/