How To Make Dementia Patients Feel Like Grandparents Again
Studies have shown that most patients who suffer with severe dementia such as Alzheimer's, do not usually want to be bothered or speak to anyone.
Many perceive normal social interaction as threatening. This is understandable. You have to remember that these are people who have been moved to homes by their children or loved ones after having long, productive lives...
...and any human being would find such situation frustrating.
There was this initiative launched in the United States, named the "Bottle Babies", which allowed senior living residents to feed and play with kittens, since those tiny little cuties needed constant care.
People suffering from sever dementia often times chronically search for something that is familiar, something that has meaning to them.
It was observed that when one of the tiny little kittens was placed in their hands, they suddenly stopped searching, and started to almost immediately calm down: de-stressing.
It seems that residents identify with the kittens as having a baby, and their human instinct to nurture, kicks in automatically.
It is quite amazing to watch some, who just minutes earlier, were stressed, frantic, walking, seemingly without direction, suddenly calm down, and actually communicate. It is a monumental moment, each moment.
And best of all, the kittens are fed, and the residents get a sense of purpose.
Other positive benefits were observed, such as patients who had problems communicating, could all of a sudden communicate. They would say when the kitten seemed hungry, or tell you how much they love the little kitten.
This is one of the most important factors why we decided to build our nursing home in Belize on our large estate. We have many animals that we can introduce your loved one too and find out which one help them re-discover their sense of purpose.
If you want to know more about our Belize Nursing Home, please contact us.
