A Caregiver's Blog - Getting Out With My Client
Her dementia seems like it is progressing. She gets confused about which days I come, what time I come, and is in emotional decline by the time I arrive. I am scheduled to come to her home.... Although I write notes for her and put it on her calendar, it seems those things that used to work are no longer working.
I found her sitting on her walker in the middle of her kitchen in pajamas crying and looking ever so confused and scared. She says, "I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing!" I reassure her and give her a hug and explain what we are going to do. She reaches for my hands and says, "I thought you weren't coming." I continued to reassure her.
While assisting with a shower and getting dressed for the day I asked if she would like to take a ride and stop somewhere for lunch.
She asked if I would take her downtown, she had not seen downtown in years.
As we drove through downtown she would point out places and recalled what they use to be and share stories of her younger years. We stopped for lunch at the Creamery Cafe along the boardwalk. For most people, spending a meal with someone is a great way to be encouraged to enjoy food, as the company and socialization of a companion and someone to talk with mean a lot. Afterward, we enjoyed a short walk taking in the sights and watching little ones play in the splash pad on the city deck.
She was enjoying the time we were having together and even said at one point "It feels like I broke out of prison today!" Individualizing transportation gives people the feeling that they still have that connection to the outside world!
- Donna
Right at Home Appleton, Green Bay provides complete supportive living services, meeting people where their needs are. From companionship and Person-Centered Care, which is our goal, to meeting the physical needs of shower assistance, dressing assistance, as well as meals and transportation.
Sometimes it may be just a couple of things they need, and other times much more. But we are there for them.
