SOMETHING TO PONDER Happy Reading! Momma has Alzheimers type dementia, and it has recently begun to manifest itself through unexpected noises. We all spend our days hearing noises. Most of these noises we can identify. The dishwasher makes a sound with which we are familiar. The sound of the buzzer on the dryer brings an expected response. When we hear sounds that are unfamiliar, we usually are not alarmed or startled. We investigate the source of the noise, or we may ignore the noise. When dementia enters our world, noise becomes a problem. Momma lives in a wonderful assisted living, and she has the prettiest one bedroom apartment! She loves her home, and she is familiar with its layout and the noises that occur there. When she leaves her home to shop, visit family, eat out, or whatever the occasion, unusual noises attract her attention. Recently she visited my sister and was disturbed by a particular noise. The noise was that of a La-Z-Boy recliner being placed in the reclined position. She did not recognize the sound, and she found it to be a bit disturbing. This is even more interesting for Momma, as she once owned and operated a La-Z-Boy Showcase Shoppe. This particular noise Momma has heard many times. However, her brain no longer recognizes the sound. The experience with the recliner is yet another reminder that Momma has dementia. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, be aware if they seem upset. It could be they are trying to process a new sound. Be patient, observant, and helpful. Try to explain the source of the sound, and even SHOW them the source of the sound. Better yet, be considerate of them and their desire to stay within the confines of what makes them comfortable. For Momma, she likes being home. For us as caregivers, we like for her to be there. Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:15:45 +0000
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