| NORTHAMPTON — Jeannie Banas eats corn on the cob one kernel at a time.
It’s about patience and persistence. And it’s also a challenge presented to her by her grandmother, who spent the last years of her life with Alzheimer’s.
“I learned to communicate with her, and to think carefully about every lesson she taught me,” said Banas, the new program director for Rockridge Retirement Community’s Gardens Program, a new neighborhood offering memory support to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The Gardens at Rockridge opened in September, and since then has been working with new residents and families to create a positive, active home that provides residents with dignity and independence. The program is designed for the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s.
“In the early stages of the disease, people know there’s something wrong with them,” Banas said. “They’re articulate and can talk about what is going on. Eventually, they will become frustrated, and that’s where our program can help. Behavior is just a vehicle for communication, and that is how our staff is trained — to truly understand residents and help them live as independently as possible.”
For Banas, a former education coordinator for the Mass. chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, staff is an integral part of the program. She calls them care partners and believes that caring for a resident with Alzheimer’s is a partnership between that resident, family, and the staff at Rockridge.
“Take an 80-year-old and think about what was happening to them when they were 20 or 30. That is how we have designed the program,” Banas said. “We can’t make them come to 2006. We need to join their journey, wherever they are.”
And for that to happen, Banas says communication is key.
“Communication is down to the basics with Alzheimer’s,” she said. “Simple tasks are difficult, and emotions are the only way we can help those with the disease. We work with those emotions to ease behaviors. The staff has to relearn communication styles. It’s all about adapting to their level.”
Similarly, the entire Gardens environment has been adapted for the disease. There is no clutter, and the lighting and coloring of the neighborhood is designed to eliminate shadows and dark spaces. Nothing on the walls or floors causes hallucinations — no patterned rugs, for example.
Doors to the residents’ rooms, instead of confusing and meaningless numbers, have framed pictures of the residents, their families, and their interests. Rotating hallway interactive life stations — clotheslines with baby clothes, vintage hats, and boas — provide entertainment and distraction for wandering residents.
For Gardens residents, the entire day is structured around activities — from personal care to meals to exercise, cooking, and games. Programming runs for 20 to 30 minutes for short attention spans. All three meals are served family-style, with residents helping to set the table.
“Our meals are served out of bowls, just like at home,” Banas said. “The food comes and is distinguishable on the plate.”
And Banas is working for the families as much as she is for residents. She has started a family support group, and is working with her staff to build a family library with books on Alzheimer’s disease. She provides lists and manuals showing various local resources, as well as updates and new information on research.
Rockridge Retirement Community is part of the Deaconess Abundant Life Communities. For more information, call (413) 586-2902 or visit www.nedeaconess.org. |
