Memory care

[Georgia17]

I have been tentatively offered a unit manager position in a memory care unit. I love these people but have a limited knowledge on the disease process and care. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[NurseCard, ADN]

Sounds great. :) I think the key is having good "programming", i.e.

a good activities director who works just on that unit, coming up with

games, activities that are specific to that population. Staff that are

patient, kind, and well educated on working with adults with dementia.

is it a locked unit? Those patients/residents wander, for sure!

[Georgia17]

Yes, it is a locked unit. It is also brand new. We hope to be accepting residents next week. We already have 3 who reside with the other AL residents who will be going back there. They are the main reason I hope to accept the job. I'm just not that knowledgeable about how to meet their specific needs.

[PixieRN1]

I am currently in acute care geropsych. I second the call to having a robust activities program. Our patients can be in a terrible depressive state partially because they literally get bored out of their minds and have nothing to occupy their time. They are often lonely and distraction helps. Simple things like pet therapy, art therapy, exercise classes, etc. go a long way to improving quality of life.

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

I am currently in acute care geropsych. I second the call to having a robust activities program. Our patients can be in a terrible depressive state partially because they literally get bored out of their minds and have nothing to occupy their time. They are often lonely and distraction helps. Simple things like pet therapy, art therapy, exercise classes, etc. go a long way to improving quality of life.

We put my MIL into assisted living because (quite frankly) hiring companions for her was too bloody expensive. Once she settled in (it took maybe 2 weeks), there was a huge change in her. She was no longer isolating herself in her room (she did this at home), she was making friends again (she's been housebound for over 10 years, due to mild agoraphobia-not dementia) and while she is still as confused as ever, she's happier than she's been in a few years. And it's because the facility she is in engages the residents with all sorts of activities, get family involved, etc. My husband eats lunch or dinner with is mother several times a week. We go to the parties they have for the family.

A good activities director can make all the difference, I agree. I have seen it with my MIL.

[amoLucia]

To CelticGoddess - nice to hear a positive affirmation when the situation can be quite difficult.