Page 55 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2023 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

movies, likes, dislikes, pet peeves, and particular
habits. Generally, the family knows their loved one’s
grooming habits and other rituals that he or she might
find comforting if maintained. As to peeves, I once had
a client, a former police officer who stood well over
six feet, who became randomly upset. He could not
vocalize the problem but stormed about, swinging his
arms, and putting the staff, himself, and other residents
at risk. After long frustrating weeks, it turned out
that, before he became incapacitated, he compulsively
emptied any trash can that was more than half full.
Once the staff figured that out and kept the can empty,
the episodes ceased.
the nursing home. Having several people who arrive
at unpredictable times to review the resident’s chart During the stress and anxiety of deciding which facility
before even visiting the resident helps ensure that the to choose for their loved ones, clients will often ask
chart is up to date and that the resident is getting his or me which facility I would put my own mother in. My
her prescribed treatments in a timely manner. usual response is that, as long as I follow my own care
recommendations, I am confident that just about any
Third, I stress that every visitor, especially those on facility can provide the level of care that I would insist
the HIPAA Release, should practice all the courtesies upon for my mom.
that they can muster—kindness, patience, politeness,
etc. The staff will still be there with the resident when
the visitor leaves. In fact, I advise that visitors make
a habit of bringing thoughtful gifts as often as they
are able. Mounds of cookies, doughnuts, and candy
are nice, but not every staff member appreciates such
temptations. Cards and simple items work also, but
not everyone has the same creative gift skills, so I half-
jokingly suggest gaining access to a detailed Catholic
calendar with saints and feasts days and maybe a
similar Jewish calendar with all the holidays, feasts,
and celebrated historical events. Between the two,
most days will provide an idea for a simple gift that
provokes a conversation and provides a convenient
way to get to know the staff.

Finally, if the resident suffers from any degree
of dementia, give the staff and other visitors
resources they can use to engage the resident. I
advise notebooks or scrapbooks with pictures,
letters, handbills, wedding and shower invitations,
as well as favorite magazines (keep subscriptions
current), and other miscellaneous items important
to the resident’s life and memories. Label pictures,
whether in a scrapbook or on the wall, with names
and relationships so that staff and visitors can
refer to them in context. Other important sections
might include favorite music, television programs,

Lubbock Senior Link 55