Category: Dementia
Dementia is close to my heart as my Dad (Robert) has the disease. He was diagnosed about 4 years ago and is now living in the Memory Support Unit of a Nursing Home. I visit him most mornings and shower and dress him and do whatever is required. I also run the ‘Men’s Group’ which consists of up to 6 male residents who I try and engage and entertain every thursday afternoon. This blog taps into the funny events that happen each day, as well as the sad. Either way, I will bring you a ‘down to earth’ account of what it is like to deal with Dementia.
Men’s Group Update – Wheels Fall Off Literally
Today I have broken 3 holesaws, bent drill bits, and had to cut up a broom handle into pieces to make wheels for my toy car activity today for the Men’s Group. While drilling the holes I looked down to find a huntsman spider crawling up my leg. He is also now broken. ( refer pic near holesaws) If any residents walk off from this activity today there are gonna be some legs broken as well! You would think after selling power tools for over 15 years I…
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Men’s Group Update – Putting Proves a Hit
To me this pic represents a HUGE WIN for the Men’s Group in the Memory Support Unit at my Dad’s nursing home. After the disaster last week when all the residents abandoned my shoe shine activity in under 6 minutes, this week we achieved the opposite result: 100% participation. Everyone was engaged for over an hour.( we had to eventually tell them to go back to their rooms). The ladies spectated for a short while then left us men to it. ( our new man cave) Everyone cheered and…
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Men’s Group – My First Day as a Carer
The Lifestyle Coordinator of Dad’s nursing home asked me if I was prepared to be responsible for running the Men’s Group on a regular basis. This entails providing activities for up to 8 men every Thursday afternoon. I jumped at the opportunity and thought to myself ” How hard can this be?”. I have been observing the care staff for over 6 months now and had picked up valuable tips on the way. One thing I did learn is that the more you know about your resident, the better care…
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Dementia & Dad – 1 Step Forward/ 3 Steps Backward
As expected Dad’s condition has continued to degrade. His speech is the obvious one in that he can only string a few words together and is very difficult to understand. This makes for very quiet sessions with him and usually has us talking about weather or the food & drink he is consuming at that time. I tend to allow him to retain his dignity by using indirect language that is not specific to what he is saying. For example he may talk some jibberish. I will respond with “what do…
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Men’s Group – My New Adventure
As many of you know I volunteer for Alzheimers Australia to raise awareness for the disease in the community. I am also pleased to announce that I am also volunteering at my Dad’s Memory Support Unit (Care Facility) in a ‘hands on’ capacity as a co-ordinator of the ‘Men’s Group’ . I am really excited to be working with men with dementia and especially in a field that needs developing. It is so much different to sales, yet rewarding in a completely different way. I am looking at ways to…
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