On March 20, 2017 I visited Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Memphis, Inc. located at 3185 Hickory Hill Road; Memphis, TN 38115. This facility was established in 1983 and is a local, non-profit organization. It functions as a day care service providing therapeutic group activities in an effort to maintain a level of functioning for persons with dementia. During my visit, I was able to observe several clients throughout the day during meal times and group activities. There was one client that stood at from the rest in that he did not appear to fit the description of a person suffering from dementia as compared to the other clients at the center. For one, he appeared too young. Another observation was the fact that during my conversations
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His behavior at times came across as uninhibited and inappropriate. He had little impulse control and the staff would need to tell him to calm down or to behave. A few of his comments that he made to the other clients were offensive in nature. He did not appear remorseful, but instead became hyper, unable to remain still. I believe this client may be at stage 4: Mild-to-Moderate Cognitive Decline with his progression considering his struggle to recall some current events and names. He would try to cover up the fact that he did not know anything with confabulation. He also had trouble remembering his son’s birthday and this upset him. He became completely quiet for a bit after that.
When he spoke about his son and was unable to remember his birthday, I tried using silence as a therapeutic communication technique. I tried to give him time to think and collect his thoughts, but in my opinion I interjected too early and changed the subject for him. I should have been more patient and allowed him the time to organize his thoughts. I felt like I was making him more uncomfortable by not saying anything. We did move on to another topic and he became more …show more content…
Most of the clients had trouble ambulating and the staff were always there assisting them. During meals, there was a staff member at each table to insure the clients did not have any trouble eating. Group activities were broken down into groups of seven to eight clients with constant staff supervision. The furniture in the center was also arranged in a way that provided easy mobility with little risk of tripping or falling. They assisted the clients with ambulation when needed.
This clinical experience was immensely educational and enjoyable. I enjoyed participating in the group activities with the clients and was impressed at the fact that each activity had its own purpose. This was not just a day care center for a patient with Alzheimer’s to be watched, but a facility that has incorporated therapeutic activities and stimulation in the effort to help slow down the progression of this disease.
REFERENCES
Townsend, M. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: concepts of care in evidence-based practice (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A.
His behavior at times came across as uninhibited and inappropriate. He had little impulse control and the staff would need to tell him to calm down or to behave. A few of his comments that he made to the other clients were offensive in nature. He did not appear remorseful, but instead became hyper, unable to remain still. I believe this client may be at stage 4: Mild-to-Moderate Cognitive Decline with his progression considering his struggle to recall some current events and names. He would try to cover up the fact that he did not know anything with confabulation. He also had trouble remembering his son’s birthday and this upset him. He became completely quiet for a bit after that.
When he spoke about his son and was unable to remember his birthday, I tried using silence as a therapeutic communication technique. I tried to give him time to think and collect his thoughts, but in my opinion I interjected too early and changed the subject for him. I should have been more patient and allowed him the time to organize his thoughts. I felt like I was making him more uncomfortable by not saying anything. We did move on to another topic and he became more …show more content…
Most of the clients had trouble ambulating and the staff were always there assisting them. During meals, there was a staff member at each table to insure the clients did not have any trouble eating. Group activities were broken down into groups of seven to eight clients with constant staff supervision. The furniture in the center was also arranged in a way that provided easy mobility with little risk of tripping or falling. They assisted the clients with ambulation when needed.
This clinical experience was immensely educational and enjoyable. I enjoyed participating in the group activities with the clients and was impressed at the fact that each activity had its own purpose. This was not just a day care center for a patient with Alzheimer’s to be watched, but a facility that has incorporated therapeutic activities and stimulation in the effort to help slow down the progression of this disease.
REFERENCES
Townsend, M. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: concepts of care in evidence-based practice (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A.