100 ~ Tips That Helped

By Kay Heitsch

It's interesting coming to work in a memory care center. I didn't know what to expect. I never had to deal with any family member in this situation. My mom died when I was in my early 20s.

I learned that people living in the memory care center may have Alzheimer's, dementia, or maybe they had a brain injury. Even if they had Alzheimer's or dementia, they were all in different stages.

I was there for "L", but since I wheeled her around in the wheelchair, I met most of the residents. I made an effort to show love and attention to each person. I didn't want anyone to feel jealous of "L".

Showing love and attention to everyone worked because I was always greeted with smiles, even though no one remembered my name, not even "L".

I learned different ways to communicate with "L" that worked well for her over time. I didn't ask questions because this seemed to confuse her.

I'd say, "Boy, you feel fresh and clean," after I gave her a shower. Or "That sure tastes good." "That feels good." "You look nice in that outfit." She would smile and shake her head instead of answering.

"L" began to make a clicking sound with her tongue. This went on constantly. I prayed and thought of giving her a stick of gum. Sure enough, she stopped clicking. Her doctor loved this idea!

Reading body language with "L" was a necessity. I learned that when she took her foot off the pedal on the wheelchair, she needed to use the bathroom. When I wheeled her up to the bar in the bathroom, I had to tap it to let her know to hold on and stand up.

I read somewhere that the scent of lavender can help with anxiety and help keep a person calmer. So I bought lavender cleaner and wiped down "L" 's wheelchair and used it to wipe things in her room and bathroom every day. I purchased lavender plug-ins, too. I'm not sure it helped "L," but I think it helped me.

"L" 's son brought up a CD player, so I kept quiet, calm music playing softly when we were in "L "'s room when she "stretched out" if she wasn't watching her movies.

Working in this memory care center was way out of my comfort zone. I needed God to help me adapt and adjust just like "L".

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2