Jolene Brackey
Enhanced Moments
P.O. Box 326
Polson, Montana 59860
406-883-3770 phone/fax
jolene@enhancedmoments.com
Creating Moments of JoysEXCERPTIt is almost impossible to create a perfectly wonderful day with someone who has Alzheimer's or dementia. But. . .it is absolutely attainable for each of us to create perfectly wonderful moments. People with Alzheimer's live by moments...don't they? So I want to share with you how together we can create many moments of joy. I guarantee it will have a positive effect on you, your staff and most importantly the people you care for. Live Their TruthEXCERPTWhen a person has Alzheimer's they lose their short-term memory. One of the positive aspects of Alzheimer's disease is they retain their long term memory to detail if we learn how to trigger it. It is important to know that as disease progresses their age regresses. In other words they get younger and younger in their mind. We know this because who are they looking for? Their mom, their babies, or their husband but don't recognize their husband because he is an old man. When they ask about their baby (or husband, etc.), you need to give them an answer so they are reassured that their baby's ok. Many people think this is lying but if you really think about it, you are actually "Living Their Truth." Rock-a-bye BabyEXCERPTAs the disease progresses their age regresses and one of the best things that happens when we are young is having a baby. These are the days we will remember for a lifetime. This is why it is not unusual that a person with Alzheimer's is looking for children. What better way to fulfill the need to hold and care for a baby then to buy a doll that looks like a real baby. The process is even more effective when the significant items of baby care are included. For example, a bassinet, baby clothes, a rattle, booties, a blanket, and maybe even a burp towel. Because items get easitly lost with a person who has Alzheimer's, I highly recommend you keep extra babies in the closet, just in case. Suitcase in the AtticEXCERPTTheir short term memory is lost but they retain their long term memory to detail if we learn how to trigger it. One of my favorite ways to do this was to find an old suitcase and fill it with a variety of items. Items like...a silky scarf, a colorful tie, a simple reading book, an old family photo, a camera, a beautiful dress, baby picture, etc. Carry the suitcase into the room stating "I found this suitcase in the attic, I wonder what could be in it." Pull an item out, ask them if they want to hold it. The more senses they use, seeing, hearing, feeling, the more likely you'll get a response Asking questions will keep their attention and keep them imvolved. |