Many times when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and begins to show signs of the disease, they are written off from society as no longer being a help to others. This is not a valid conclusion. The staff at Pathways of Springfield Masonic Community (SMC) has had the privilege to work with Crossroads Memory Care Unit from its conception and have watched as many of the residents have benefited from this programming. Following are the heartening results that you might find surprising.
One of SMC’s independent living residents began to show signs of dementia. Her husband came to the staff and asked if they could find a way for her to occupy her time. She had worked in the gift shop but the cash register became difficult for her to use. In light of the situation the staff spoke with some of the volunteers who graciously said they would be willing to work with her. With the volunteers operating the cash register, she would still be free to bag the merchandise and straighten up the gift shop. The situation allowed her to continue living a full life while giving back to society.
Joy Lattanner wanted to engage in more activities at which she could be successful. Her background as a former school teacher led her to join fellow Crossroads residents in traveling to Rockway school to help tutor students. Helping the children to read or learn math gives them the opportunity to continue helping in the community. Another activity in which Joy participates is when she makes her way to Crossroads to lead the Reading Roundtables. Studies have shown that even after a dementia sufferer loses the ability to talk they are still able to read. The residents on Crossroads read every Monday and discuss the story. Joy as a dementia resident helped other dementia residents to maintain or improve their quality of life.
SMC residents in Crossroads have made blankets for the Abused Women and Children’s Shelter program My Very Own Blanket. When a child is taken from an abusive situation, one of these blankets is given to bring them comfort. This is yet another way in which dementia residents are making a difference.
During the month of December Linda McNeal-White began to review the test results for Crossroads and was amazed at some of the results. Eighty percent of the residents either maintained or improved in their cognitive abilities. Upon reviewing the other twenty percent, it was found that some were on Hospice Services or chose not to attend on a regular basis. It is important to acknowledge that the credit needs to go to the SMC staff who worked so diligently each day with these residents. The goal for the coming year is to find interests that will help engage the twenty percent residents so they too can have a better quality of life.
