Co-owner John Hilsher is a champion for in-home care in Austin. His passion and mastery of customer service has reached the guru level. His extensive collection of tools and 1970's era home secured his position as the staff handyman as well. Away from work he can be found playing a never ending game of tug-of-war with his dogs and is anxiously awaiting his first child with his lovely wife.
Finding dignity in Alzheimer's care
I have noticed several news stories regarding Alzheimer’s detection lately. Alzheimer’s is a very insidious disease that changes the lives of those who have it and the people who love and care for them.
The brain is an amazing organ. When we sleep, our dreams seem so real our bodies often react as though it is actually happening. I am not saying that Alzheimer’s and Dementia are like a waking dream, that would be an over simplification. However, I can imagine how frustrating it would be to have your mind show you something that is not normal, even to the point you can hear it and see it. Worse though, may be the fear of realizing that reality and your perception of reality may be totally different.
Understanding these diseases as well as having experience and compassion are key qualities needed when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. A good caregiver can help maintain a person’s dignity and quality of life.
We had a client that needed Alzheimer’s care in Austin, and his condition had changed dramatically in the course of only 2 weeks. One night he woke up and told his caregiver that he needed to go to the bank. The time was between 3 and 4 AM, he had woke up disoriented and was experiencing a delusion. His caregiver asked “Are you sure you want to go right now?” He was adamant, “yes”. So, his caregiver helped him get dressed, they walked out to the car, got in and started driving to the bank. When they arrived at the bank it was just beginning to get light outside. The bank, however, was obviously closed. “It looks like they are closed” the man said. “Should we go back?” his caregiver asked. The man, with his sense of dignity still fully intact, replied “I guess so.” Once they got back home they sat down and both enjoyed their morning coffee.