Alzheimer Society fundraiser a reminder to celebrate the essential caregivers

By Gillian Slade on June 2, 2018.

Denice Tucker, health-care aide at Meadowlands in the memory care unit, rests her hand of the shoulder of one of the residents. Tucker has been working in memory care at Meadowlands for more than six years and says it just takes plenty of patience and a caring personality.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

The local Alzheimer Society chapter has a fundraiser event June 8, and it is a good time to remember those who lovingly care from someone with dementia.

The Friday event starts at 6 p.m. with a barbecue in Kin Coulee followed by a walk to raise funds. It is a family event and there will be a children’s giant inflatable slide.

For people in the advanced stages of dementia, a residence that specializes in this type of care can be a haven, a safe place where their needs are understood, accommodated and met.

At Meadowlands, health-care aide Denice Tucker has been working in the “memory care” unit for more than six years, and has worked in the specialized field for nine.

She says she would not think of doing anything else. Immediately after high school she was already thinking of this, having had experience caring for her mother who had health issues and her grandmother who had dementia.

“You need lots of patience and a caring personality,” she explains, adding she has tons of patience.

Memory care involves being aware of the emotional and physical needs of the resident and then working with their agenda, said Angeline Chandra, director of health and wellness at Meadowlands.

“That’s exactly Denice,” said Chandra.

Really understanding residents in memory care generally requires talking to the family members to gain an understanding of the resident. Knowing about their career and hobbies can explain a lot about how they react or what they may be remembering, thinking, and/or worrying about. said Tucker.

“Families play a big role,” said Chandra.

There was one resident who had been a motor mechanic, and providing him with a supply of model cars that he could take apart really helped to keep him happy, said Chandra.

Staff make an effort to get alongside the resident rather than dictating an agenda.

“If you treat them like a friend instead of a health-care professional you get a completely different response,” said Tucker.

Meadowlands uses the “Teepa Snow” method of caring and does not use restraints of any kind. http://teepasnow.com/

There are always other staff to help in a challenging situation and having sufficient activity for the residents is also important.

“I’ve never felt stressed here. This is one of my favourite workplaces,” said Tucker, who from time to time brings in her dog for residents to enjoy. Mocha Jean is a nine-and-a-half-year-old chocolate Labrador who enjoys the residents as much as they enjoy her.

Residents at Meadowlands can also have their own pets with dogs on a leash if they are being taken for a walk.