BEDFORD – Yesterday’s workshop at the Johnson Christian Village taught caretakers of dementia patients how to help their loved ones without taking away their dignity.
The workshop is designed to help provide support and education for brain health and care and break down the stigma of Dementia and other brain diseases.
The presentation was presented by Diana Matthews and Shelly Gilbert, with the IU Health Rural Dementia Network.
The presenters led by example, all while explaining the differences between normal aging as opposed to non-normal aging.
Dementia isn’t a loss of memory. Memory loss is simply one of the symptoms. Dementia is the breakdown and eventual failure of the wiring between sensory data intake like sight, hearing, and touch, and the processing sectors of the brain.
The example given was finding information in file cabinets. You have folders and folders of snapshots, and pictures of people stored in your mind, and when you see them, you have to sort through the names to find the file matching the image, then match it to a voice file. As you age, this process becomes slower, and that’s natural.
With dementia, that process doesn’t just slow, it stops, as the connections deteriorate. The information is there, you just can’t get to it.
Touching someone without them knowing what’s going on is scary. They don’t know what you’re doing, or what’s going to happen next, and dementia patients may already be confused about your identity.
Not knowing what is happening is scary. Adapting to take on a supportive role instead of a controlling one helps the ones you love know that they’re still in control.
One method was the hand-over-hand method, a way to support a dementia patient that allows them the freedom to either pull free or still use their hand.
This is one of the ways the workshop taught simple but effective ways to alter the atmosphere of situations to better facilitate communication with someone who struggles with Dementia.
“We have to figure out a way to take care of their physical needs without robbing them of their dignity,” explained Diana.
Johnson Christian Village works to educate and improve the lives of its residents and families, and this workshop is just one example of that dedication.
Johnson Christian Village
Johnson Christian Village, located in the quiet countryside of Bedford, Indiana, is your choice for retirement living in Lawrence County.
Here, older adults enjoy bright and sunny independent living apartments and housing with services apartments on our beautiful campus. Studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments are available.
In addition to home maintenance, residents enjoy a restaurant-inspired food program, social and connection opportunities, and more. JCV is proud to be a person-centered senior living community, which means they’re on your side – always making decisions in your best interest. Peace of mind for residents and families is part of life at Johnson.
Located just 18 miles south of Bloomington, IN, our scenic campus is close to shopping, parks, restaurants, health providers, and churches. Apartment rental rates start at $1,124 per month. Speak with one of their experts at 812-203-4716 to learn more.
