Posted: 3/15/06
Hillcrest opens Alzheimerís unit this month
 Hats will play an important part in the day-to-day activities and many can be found in a basket in a comfortable sitting room. Abby Berglund, the Alzheimerís Care Unit director, said often a hat will help bring back memories for those who suffer with the disease. |
By MaryHelen Swanson
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimerís disease can be difficult and disheartening, especially when it comes to the point when the caregiver says, ìTheyíre just not the person I remember.î
Residents of East Central Minnesota who face such a stressful situation will have access to a special housing unit for their loved ones at Hillcrest HealthCare Center in Rush City, starting this month.
For those who struggle with the day-to-day care of loved ones advancing with Alzheimerís disease, this new unit can be a blessing.
Abby Berglund, director of the new Alzheimerís Care Unit, said during a recent tour there are seven stages of Alzheimerís and the new unit is designed to provide care to the end stages.
It will offer a homelike atmosphere, social opportunities and amenities such as family-style meals in a bright dining room and outside courtyard where residents can help plant and enjoy flowers.
There is even a ìfront porchî alcove complete with mailbox inside where residents can sit and watch people pass by as many may have done years ago.
Berglund is excited about the new unit with its various programs.
For instance, the family-styled dining will remove the old ìtrayî system so there are no barriers on the table between diners. Food will be passed around like at home. Staff and family members can sit and eat with the residents, too, continuing that home-like feeling.
Residents will have their own kitchen where it is hoped many hours will be spent baking such treats as cookies and cakes.
Cooking is a favorite pastime that many Alzheimerís patients seem to enjoy, Berglund said.
Also, on the dining tables, which are like those at home, there will be ìsocialization cards.î
They may include pretty pictures, or jokes, or other things that might stimulate conversation and memories.
Doors to the unit will be secured, but staff will be walking a lot with the residents of this unit. A courtyard outside of the dining room will be secured for the protection of the residents also.
Alzheimerís patients may not always like to be bathed, but Berglund pointed out the amenities of the ìspaî room as well as the shower room.
In the spa room there is a specialized tub that will help reduce the stress of bathing.
Colors in the ACU are neutral and peaceful, Berglund pointed out, and there will be soft music playing in the background.
Itís all done to provide a very peaceful atmosphere, she said.
Outside each room there is a shadow box where family and staff can help residents place small personal items that could help them recognize their room.
Programming will include dressing where aides will help residents make simple choices in what they want to wear.
Residents will assist staff in making their own beds, too. In these activities, residents and staff can form good relationships, Berglund said.
Families will be asked to be very involved in their loved onesí lives.
Many activities will be planned for each day, ranging from 15 minutes to 45 minutes in length.
There will be lots of exercise programs, daily devotions as desired, cooking and reminiscing. Family members may share talents and hobbies. Staff might too.
The programming, Berglund said, will encourage socialization, friends and laughter.
In the rooms, residents may bring their personal items including favorite bedspreads and quilts. There are two beds in each room to provide an opportunity for residents to form a close friendship with another resident.
The unit is set up for 22 residents, both male and female.
Depending on the population, programming may focus on who is living there at the time. If there are mostly men, much of the programming will be geared to men.
Still, while there will be many group activities, Berglund said if one resident does not wish to participate, staff will be willing to work one-on-one with him or her on an activity.
Music will play an important role in this unit. Berglund noted that music is a right brain pleasure, that works when other abilities donít.
Many Alzheimerís patients respond to a song, and are able to sing all the words when they become frustrated about remembering other things, she said.
Berglund noted that the family council will be very involved. In addition, theyíd like to involve children from the schools for special programming.
Alzheimerís touches everyone, Berglund said, and 7 of 10 families try to take care of their loved ones at home.
Now thereís another option.
Comment from Dick Sherman, 3/24/06
MaryHelen, you've done it again. Another excellent, caring feature on a subject that needs more defining. A great job!
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