KrisMis

I think this sounds wonderful! I moved to our Alzheimer unit a year ago and implemented on my shift many of the changes you mention. The morning shift was already doing it, but the evening shift was not. I had one CNA who was reluctant to assist with activities. (She had managed to not do them with all of the other nurses that had been on this shift before.) She did come around & will often do something to engage the residents in an impromptu activity, even if it is just a sing a long. As far as residents getting up at different times for meals we had several options-Save their plate & warm it up in the microwave, keep a stock of snacks & sandwich making foods, cereals, juices, soups, etc. so that staff could make a meal for them later, or have the kitchen wait to prepare their meal until they were ready to eat. I hope this helps. Change isn't easy but it is very doable & our unit was a lot more fun & relaxed after these changes were implemented. KrisMis

I graduated in August of 2005 & have been working in LTC since that time. I finally got to move to the Alzheimer unit a year ago & love it!

Female LPN, LTC We have 1 German Shepherd female, 3.5 year old rehome, 2 Groenendal (Belgian Shepherds/Belgian Sheepdog) half sisters, 10 & 9 years old & waiting on the nephew to the Groens to be born in January. Hopefully will get to see the ultrasound photos next week! My dogs are my lifeline, companions, helpers & partners. The Belgian girls are also therapy dogs & show dogs. We do obedience, conformation, rally, freestyle and we dabble in agility. The oldest girl is also trained as a cadaver dog & is our local kennel club's canine ambassador that visits schools.

I usually have mine in a french braid. I take an extra barette with me so that I can twist the braid up when needed. ( I have hip length hair) Other times I use a headband or I pull back the front into a braid & then twist it all up on top of my head with a big barette when I'm going to be working with my residents. I like to have a little "poof" to soften the severity of having it all pulled up. I buy colored elastic bands to match my scrubs. They are cheap, disposable & I can match nearly any outfit. I hope this gives you some ideas. KrisMis