Guest Column: Coping with Dementia

— by Didier Gincig —

Last Saturday, March 14th, Shelly Zylstra, from the Northwest Regional Council, visited the Orcas Island Senior Center to offer a wealth of information and insight to members of the Orcas community for a training about coping with dementia. There were thirty-four people in attendance during two sessions, some whose spouse or parents currently have dementia, caregivers, volunteers, and others concerned with this ever growing reality.

We learned that nearly 1,300 new cases are being diagnosed daily in the U.S., and that this number will double by 2050, with 1 out of every 8 baby boomers eventually experiencing this by life’s end. Nationwide, 7 of 10 will remain at home to be cared for. On Orcas this will soon be a larger part of our lives, affecting families, friends, and others in overlapping circles of relationships. Will we as a community be ready? There are some useful skills we can learn to be better informed and prepared.

While much of the class was educational in terms of stages of dementia and specific challenges faced with each stage, there was also much information about skills to use to help people be more at ease. Some of these included:

• show pictures and videos of animals doing funny things;
• read out loud before bed, sing, play music from the era of that is most familiar (see the documentary “Alive Inside” on You Tube about the power of music and dementia);
• approach a person with dementia from the front; it is less startling that from the side;
• keep your loved ones well-hydrated;
• rather than asking open-ended questions ask either-or questions;
• for people who are trying to “escape”, use “do not cross” police tape in the yard or a big plastic stop sign;
• depending on what stage people are at, do all you can to involve them in activities, such as cooking, clothing choices, housekeeping, hobbies, etc.;
• rather than offer a plate with many kinds of food, keep it simple, and start with protein, if possible, as that can often be lacking;
• keep environments as familiar as possible;
• go with the flow rather than contradict what may not be true.

Some of the feedback offered after the workshop was the appreciation of learning the differences between normal aging and signs of early dementia. Others expressed appreciation regarding additional resources (i.e., Center for Senior Health and Gerontology in Bellingham for evaluation), books, and videos.

Several participants whose spouses suffer from dementia indicated their strong need for more

respite care. Shelly Zylstra recommended drop in care on the mainland at Skagit Adult Day Program in Anacortes (360) 293-4466 (and get shopping done). She also highly recommended creating the resources to have drop in care on island. Several participants expressed interest for a support group lead by a trained facilitator. As well as being able to attend support group meetings, individuals can call each other by phone and communicate by e-mail to be of support to each other.

Other topics covered were Power of Attorney, Advance Directives, POLST forms, and end of life issues. While it was acknowledged that this is a very difficult situation, the presenter spoke about the importance of humor and love.

Stop by the Orcas Island Senior Center and talk to Marla Johns (376-2677) for resources and assistance. To learn about Hearts and Hands, call Didier Gincig (376-7723). We have extra packets from the class at the Hearts and Hands office at the Senior Center. If you missed the event and are interested in having another Dementia Workshop, please let us know.

Didier Gincig is Hearts and Hands Coordinator