Tag: Sensory Satisfaction

Years ago I worked at one of my favorite skilled nursing memory care units at Asbury Methodist in Gaithersburg, MD. It was a favorite because of its interdisciplinary team. Every two weeks, without fail we met as a team–the nutritionist, the nurse, me-activities, the social worker, a CNA, even the doctor and discussed the 35 residents in the unit. We focused on those mandated by Medicare for review, but we discussed any ongoing changes or needs we were seeing within our little community. It was in these team meetings that we learned more of the family’s history and we collaborated…

I want to go home. Who can help me get home? I need to get home . . . These are common refrains heard from folks with dementia. As family we take the request at face value, and yet how many of us have heard this refrain from within the loved one’s home? It’s a sobering moment when you accommodate them and yet the refrain remains. You have the realization that “home” stands for something else, perhaps something unattainable. After years of hearing this refrain and attempting to accommodate as a recreation leader or as a family member, I’ve come…

Note the present joy to be used to diminish future sadness.