lessons from the dementia wards

1. It is not your place to tell someone what their reality consists of. If someone believes they are healthy, who are you to tell them otherwise?

When dealing with the late stages of Alzheimers/dementia, you don’t live in your own reality. You live in the reality that the patient presents. Reorientation will only serve to upset and confuse them. If they are happy, let them be happy. If they are not, don’t correct them. Simply comfort them.

2. When a 90 year old man is masturbating, quietly close the door and walk away.

These people are still human. They have rights to dignity and privacy. They have the right to feel, think, and act as they wish. It is not your place to reprimand them.

3. If an old woman says she’s going to punch you, she probably is. But it won’t hurt.

People with dementia still get angry. It is their right. Do not fight back. Do not restrain them. Do not tell them they’re wrong. Comfort them. Love them. And keep 2 arms lengths between you.

Likewise:
1.)it is not your place to tell someone what their reality consists of. If someone says they are depressed, listen.

Suicide rates have skyrocketed partially due to the lack of emotional support and understanding. It is not your place to tell someone they are overreacting or it’s just a phase. It is, however, a good time for you to step up to the plate and listen. Be a helping hand or shoulder to cry on.

2.) when someone says they need to be alone, give them space. I really suck at this one.

It is not your place to say that they’re being rude. It is not your place to pry them open and make them tell you what’s wrong. If they want to speak, they will speak. Just be patient.

3.) if someone says they’re going to commit suicide, operate under the assumption that they actually will.

Do not get violent. Do not restrain them. Comfort them and love them without suffocating them.

This has been Lessons From the Dementia Wards. Thank you. -_-