I googled on Alzheimer to learn more about the disease. I wanted to learn how to be with one of the residents. Knowledge can help me be with her better than unawareness.

She knows what she was at one time, she remembers what happened the day before – she had rebelled and refused to take showers because they did not ask her nicely. At the same time, she would stand, holding onto the bar, ready to sit down on the toilet seat and blank out.

I saw her mind as whole with holes and blank areas. Where it is whole is where she is able to recall her daughter’s visit with her granddaughters, and described to me what her granddaughter was wearing. Holes is instances where she blanks out which is very often. Because of the “whole”, I had inter acted with her and did not realize she has severe dementia. One would not know talking to her. Her blankness of mind connects to daily activities.

I did not realize there is stigma to people with Alzheimer until I did the ten signs of alzheimer.  One caregiver who loves her a lot calls her “little girl.” I winced each time she says that because there is nothing “little girl” about this woman who is still in possession of herself even if not of her mind.

Matters reached a head when she rebelled against being treated like a child. The moment she saw me, she calmed down. I knew then I am like safe haven for her. She told me she is not a child and objected to being treated like a child. She was troubled she blew up. I told her it is good for her to push back and assert herself. Now they know who she is. I realized from it, it is important I learn more about the disease and how to deal with her. I have to become more aware of her blank areas and assist her there. Less is better in the sense of simplifying. Keeping things, words, concepts simple and avoid anything convoluted.

I was a bit troubled tonight because I was essentially encouraging her in her revolt. While it made her feel a lot better someone understands what she was going through, I could make myself  unpopular with boss and co workers in such situation. I have to tread more carefully. I could achieve the same without encouraging her in her revolt. I told her it is right to push back to get the respect due her. I told myself not to be troubled but to pay attention to my inner senses and I would know how to deal with her and such situation.

From the above, I saw how necessary it is to educate caregivers about alzheimer.