Today we had admitted my Dad into a senior home. Over two years ago, my Father was diagnosed with Dementia. A disease that is misunderstood.
I have worked at a care home facility for nearly 5 years at Salem Lutheran Home as a Front Office Receptionist part time. I was privileged to be a part of a wonderful community that services seniors of all levels of care. I was able to understand why my parents wanted me to be a nurse or even work the health industry. There's a need for people who care, who had the compassion to help others when they cannot....
I never went that route due to a fear of needles...I ended up receiving a bachelor's in art education and wanted to explore into teaching...But it's much more to me now.
In life we're either teachers or students...leaders or followers. I never thought I would take the lead in assisting in my family through this difficult time...I had to be creative in helping the family cope and understand what's needed now.
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by changes in the brain.
There's 7 levels that lead up to Alzheimer:
Stage 1 No impairment
Stage 2 Very mild decline
Stage 3 Mild decline
Stage 4 Moderate decline (mild or early stage)
Stage 5 Moderately severe decline (moderate or mid-stage)
Stage 6 Severe decline (moderately severe or mid-stage)
Stage 7 Very severe decline (severe or late stage)
In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness. At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.
My Dad toggles between the stage of 1-3. He's taking nearly 20 pills a day due to dementia as well as other health related issues. He can have normal conversations, perform daily activities like you and I can and still act independently. But it goes deeper than that...My parents live in Las Vegas and majority of the family lives in California. There's a great distance what we can do to support them. Luckily they came down to visit because of little J birthday in late June.Seeing them again only emphasizes that they needed our help. The quality of life has taken a toll not just my Dad but my Mom as well. He may seem better but my Mom cannot do it alone and we've asked our Aunts and Uncles for their love and support. It is important that the family members not be in denial. They must face the fact that dementia is a progressive illness that cannot be cured.
Being a proud Filipino descendant it's unheard of turning a love one into a care home. For the indivual, it's the fear of being locked up and feelings of abandonment....
Working at a care home first hand made me realize it's a party home for seniors! It reminds me of my college days at the dorm. They socialize with people who have similar interest and lifestyle, 24/7 caregivers around the clock, activities, outdoor events, meals prepared, free transportation, room and board...and independence.
The idea was shot down not only because of cost but it was just unspeakable.
Retirement homes such as home care facilities can cost anywhere between $3000-6000 a month. OUCH. Smaller facilities such as in-home care can be from $1500-3000 but you'll end up sharing room with other seniors. There's a lot consider and research...and it can be overwhelming to handle alone. Sometime guilt as well as opinons from family members or friends can influence decision of caring for your love one...it's draining as well as stressful for the immediate family.
Because of the severity of my Dad's situation has worsen...they no longer have the funds to even consider a home facility. Working with a Case Manager with E & L Elder Care Service, I was able to find a home close to my brother and I. They provide referral for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) for families at NO COST. They provide family with the necessary accommodations for your individual needs and resources that are available. I call it "one stop shop" everything you can ask for.
http://www.eandleldercareservices.com/
We ask family and friends to pray for his health and safety. Because of the level of sensitivity we ask everyone to be supportive and loving because he needs to be aware that we're all there for him.
This is still a journey because so much needs to be done.
But it's a start....
