I’ve worked in Long Term Care as an Activities
Assistant for ten years. This role has offered a unique perspective on
Alzheimer’s as I typically will meet the person after a diagnosis. And just
like I would with a new friend or colleague, I begin to get to know them, and I
get to know them with Alzheimer’s. I was
fortunate to start my career in the aging services with a mentor dedicated to
the teaching of resident’s rights and the promotion of quality of life. These
concepts have become my foundation as I grow in the field.
My motivation to write about Alzheimer’s is
personal. This diagnosis can be an
extremely emotional time not only for the person but also their family and
loved ones. I saw writing as an opportunity to not only join in on a
well-established conversation but as a possibility to share my more positive
experiences with people living with Alzheimer’s. I don’t offer medical advice, but I do hope
to bring some clarity to an often misunderstood disease.
As adults, we are always being told to live in the
moment. And when we are with our parent or loved one who has Alzheimer’s this
sentiment couldn't be truer. Caregivers
are often left to focus on the medical and physical care of their loved ones.
But they deserve to be able to spend time with their loved one and to get to
know them during this new phase of their lives.
The feedback I’ve received so far is quite positive,
and I think there is a growing collective of families and advocates who realize
the same thing, that their loved one is so much more than a medical diagnosis.
That although painful, this does not mean that their lives with us have become
unimportant nor does it mean we won’t have more special moments with them now.
Some of the most extraordinary people I have met were
living with Alzheimer’s. I am continuously humbled by their kindness, their
joy, and their constant affection. I write about empathy, relaxation, and
validation therapy because with understanding; we will find that our loved ones
aren’t “behaving” in a particular way because they have Alzheimer’s, but rather
they are trying to communicate with us in a new way.
Comprehending a life without memories is difficult.
Memories mean so much to us. They provide us with a sense of self and stand as
a reminder of the journey we have taken in this life. And the memories we share
with the people closest to us become an intricate piece of our identity.
Alzheimer’s may take these memories away from us but, the inability to remember
does not mean that it has to redefine who we are nor does it diminish the
importance of the many moments we have collected over the years.
I am
always hopeful that a cure will be found, but until that joyous day comes, I
will continue to write and promote the upside to aging.
Molly LeGrand has cared for
older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer’s for over ten years. She is a
recent graduate of the Erickson School, UMBC where she received her M.A. in the
Management of Aging Services. Her blog Upside to Aging is dedicated to sharing an alternative and
more positive side to aging.
Blog: https://theupsidetoaging.wordpress.com/
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