Just carry on doing what you are doing and treat them with the respect they deserve. We hear so much about the bad things that go on in old peoples homes so it is nice to hear from someone that works in one wanting to do even better. Well done.
2006-11-10 13:24:52
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I totally understand. But you are doing loads just by being there to help them in their everyday needs.
I also work with the elderly, some of which have dementia in varying stages. I find that listening to the talk, regardless of the fact that they repeat the same things and you find yourself finishing their sentences, is a great comfort to them.
A lot of people with dementia will become very frustrated with themselves, this can manifest in either serious self critisism or agression. Always be supportive and never even hint that you are bored or frustrated yourself... You sound like a genuinely nice person so just be yourself.
Just try to be understanding, get to know them and understand the person behind the illness...
And though it can be a thankless job at times, it is also very rewarding and they will appreciate you in their own way.
Good Luck
2006-11-10 12:33:52
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answer #2
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answered by KJA 3
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I have been working in dementia care homes for several months, and the best thing to do is simply to be there for them; comfort them when they are unhappy, never patronise, try never to lose your patience when looking after them even though it can be very frustrating, and help them to maintain their independence for as long as possible by giving them plenty of choices.
Even if you know that they usually have a tea with two sugars, if they are capable of deciding between tea and coffee, offer them a choice. The doctors and nurses are there to take care of the medical side of their care, so just being there in a supportive way is the best thing you can do.
Most importantly, never forget they are people. It may sound stupid, but it can be difficult sometimes.
2006-11-10 12:05:56
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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While doing your chores, inevitable they are sadly, study the more able clients and the immobile clients, what is the difference in their needs. the able bodied clients can amuse themselves if you give them the chance, make them feel useful and find a chore like tidying the bookshelf or dusting, give them praise for simple achievements. remember you are working with people who get frustrated because they know they are dependant on you for personal care they cannot tie a shoelace or remember to go to the loo, things that we take for granted. involve them where you can, talk to them not down at them, ask families what their interests were, they love attention and singalongs are great.
for the less mobile, difficult, but read a book or magazine to them even singing to them is good. most importantly, treat them all with respect and dignity and you will see a change in the way they respond to you and show small signs of recognition. do to them only what you would have done to yourself. they are special people to work with and challenging, but if you can get some to smile in your shift you have made their lives happier. good luck.
2006-11-10 17:23:13
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answer #4
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answered by ingwe 1
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Hello. I must add to earlier answers. It is not WHAT you do as a professional carer - it is HOW you do it. In other words; it is all in what nurses call the 'intention of approach'. Care can be kind; care can be abusive.
With dementing patients communication may be difficult and extremely hard to keep up. It may even be seemingly one-way. Of course the clients want a consistently kind and interested approach from you as a carer. They are also struggling to maintain a sense of self. Therefore one approach is to learn as much about them - as unique human beings who had a prior life - as you can.
It is good practice to build life story books, or albums, for clients, containing significant info on background, info from and about family, client likes and dislikes. If you know the clients as people, then it is easier to communicate and keep up interest.
Photographs,momentos, personal possessions, even music - can be good - they prompt emotions and provide reference points.
There are demetia sensitive approaches to communication - Google them by entering 'Kitson'.
Theres no space for a full discussion of this - but try the following site for easy to read info (look under 'Alzheimers') -
http://wildirismedicaleduaction.com
Keep up the work. The grind of daily care can be remorseless. But remember that its the most damaged people who really need you - some one who is thinking about whats to be done for them ..
Kind regards. ('Creamcheese')
PS: You have something called 'conscience'. Think about going for it and doing your registered nurse training.
2006-11-12 09:58:37
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answer #5
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answered by . 2
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You are doing the most important things already, the thankless things that they can no longer do for themselves. All they need is your company and care. My Mum is in a home with advanced Alzheimer's, I couldn't do what you are doing so Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you should be paid your weight in gold.
Just learn to take satisfaction from a Hard job Well done.
2006-11-10 12:08:36
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answer #6
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answered by flibertyjib 3
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Introduce a radio listening hour of an evening, before bedtime. Something that you can all do together in cosy surroundings, stimulation through classical music can be so therapeutic to everyone!
Reading is also an invaluable excersise!
It's good that you care.
2006-11-10 12:03:14
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answer #7
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answered by Lorraine R 5
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Talk to them, listen to them, whenever you get the chance. A close relative of mine had dementia and the biggest obstacle was the irrational fear and anxiety that's often present. Listening, taking their concerns seriously, reassuring them and sometimes just sitting holding someones hand and being there is invaluable.
2006-11-10 12:08:30
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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i'm a nurse and now an nvq assessor in care..so feel fairly qualified to answer this... you are obviously taking care of their physical needs, but you need to offer emotional support as suggested already and also stimulate their minds... plan activities with them..bingo, chair exercise, dancing and music, reminisence hour, arts and crafts...ive seen all these in practise and they can be excellent and adapted to suit their abilities.
i think if you go by the rule of thumb of treating them how you would want your favorite relative to be treated you will not go far wrong.good luck
2006-11-10 12:23:57
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answer #9
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answered by slsvenus 4
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You are so already doing everything. It is difficult to bring myself to suggest anything further than perhaps drawing one or two of them out from time to time on their memories of early times... it seems to lift their spirits tremendously to be able to share earlier memories from childhood, if this is at all possible, and if you wish to comfort them, either rubbing their feet slowly for a few minutes or rubbing their upper backs will help to bring deep comfort and a feeling of safety that lasts for hours. Just the fact that you might sit with them individually and just smile and be at peace and provide human company would mean the world to them, but as the chap mentioned, here already, you are doing all of the things that require so much effort, we would all be hard pressed to suggest improvement on something which is clearly coming from the heart in its essence as it is presented to us here on Yahoo! Answers. Sent to you with good energies from Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A. (I am 63 years old.)
2006-11-10 12:46:47
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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