Stimulation

[jennyjoan]

Called to see friend in care home yesterday. She has advanced dementia and lies in bed sleeping.

However when myself and friend talked and talked to her - she started to open her eyes with great difficulty, I talked to her about old times etc and she then started to utter some words and remembrance. We prayed to her and bless her she got her two hands and joined them for prayer - so she understood what we were saying to her.

Friend who is the niece just happened to say to one of the carers that the lady needed her hair cut. Like 10 minutes later two carers took her away in a wheelchair to the salon.

Now I fully understand these carers are doing their very best and don't have the time but both of us thought - she is lying there sleeping her life away - yet with some stimulation she came to.

sorry for the long-winded post but do you have views. Thanks

[Mamyalynne]

I know that many care homes have a good range of stimulating activities and that has proven beneficial results in making life happier for residents - others may be less inclined to offer such and that is a shame.

In a busy environment perhaps sometimes the quiet residents are ignored - sad.

[jennyjoan]

yes I think you are right - she is so very quiet and still and it was so poignant to see her hands that were so rigidly down, come up to join.

[Mamyalynne]

Lovely that you were able to engage her JJ, such a nice feeling.

[GenuineclAss]

When my Dad was in hospital, we took him some old photos to look at. He remembered all the names of his works' Chess team, houses he'd lived in growing up, etc. It's often the short-term memory that goes first. Stimulating the long-term memory - music she listened to as a young woman and/or old photos are great smile-makers!
We also took a portable DVD player into hospital and my Dad never tired of watching Singing in the Rain and The Jolson Story.

[jennyjoan]

Yes Genuine - I did that last week - well friend got the mobile phone to play old music and it was surprising that you could see friend's ears pop up to listen to it and join in with some words.

[hereIam]

As she so obviously responds to stimulation jj, you could make a massive effort every time you visit to liven her up and maybe her other visitors could as well. So sad to have to sleep the rest of her life away when there is so obviously something still there. Poor soul.

[kvalidir]

As others have said, music is very beneficial, maybe you could get a small cd layer and some of her favourite music for when you're not there? x

[jennyjoan]

a good idea Kval but not feasible - there is a TV in her room and we just found out yesterday that all the TVs in all of the patients rooms are all controlled by one remote which is in the office.

yesterday they were playing Magic music - not pleasant for old ears methinks.

I am going to try and get up at least once a week

[Eleena]

It's very sad, but perhaps inevitable given the nature of the illness. Others can be quite mobile and need to be watched more.
Very upsetting for friends and family.