It occured to me today, when out over the meadows with Bloss my Springer Spaniel, in the warm autumn sunshine, that the peace resulting from letting the mind go it's own way, in total peace and relaxation, should not be resisted. This regular feeling of peace, is something I have increasingly experienced in the past couple of years, as dementia has progressed. Whether it because the increasing feeling of nothing much matters, or, possibly, that one's priorities have altered and become more relaxed and less complicated / complex. It is also probably assisted by the fact that my wife, of necessity, has had to take over the ultimate responsibility for affairs that, previously, would have been mine.
Keeping things simple and straightforward, while proving to be increasingly necessary to assist my understanding, is, I believe, having the knock on, yet beneficial, affect of removing the dross that might previously have made the contemplation of things, more complex than necessary. The mind currently thrives on the simple and straight forward, and yet at the same time, is opened up to many moments of quiet contemplation that result in, what appear to be, straight forward and simple insights into a variety of issues. This, in turn, provides a considerable degree of inner peace. I am of a mindset that why should one fight the joy of the peace that a simple and straightforward, yet insightful, approach to the contemplation of issues brings. In other words, keep it simple.
This season of autumn ties in quite nicely as to where I am in the normal life span and possibly in relation to my intellect. It has been an earlier intellectual autumn than I was anticipating, with the dwindling and reducing mental resources in relation to memory, understanding. However, these reduced faculties have, I believe, been compensated by the development of new creative, insightful, peaceful, contemplative, abilities, that, as far as I am aware, have developed.
To those fellow sharers in the world of dementia, might I respectfully suggest you try not to fight the joy of the peace you may, at times, experience. Yes, you cant do what you did. Yes, you cant be the way you were before. Yes, you have your moments of frustration and annoyance at your state. Yes, you have feelings of sorrow and helplessness. Yes, you are annoyed and frustrated that you have to be reliant on your loving carer. Yes, you may fear the potential results of the strain on your carer, that carrying out their support of you may bring. However, examine the potential benefits for yourself and your carer that periods of mind clearing peace will have. Then seek opportunities to facilitate it - Good Luck and Happy Hunting - IT WILL BE Worth IT!
JSAFGA
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Saturday, 10 September 2011
INTERTWINING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT
Where we are today has been intertwined with our past influences, be it by people, places and a miriad of life experiences. It is therefore now great to be able to let them all come together in a gentle mix. This for me, is helping create many joyful periods and times, when alone in various places and settings, I draw on the past and blend it into today and this greatly enhances the experience and views of the past and present.
The above experience, is not to deny the times of past unhappiness or trauma, but rather, not to feel the need to have them as a focus. Not to let them be a distraction from the beauty of each present day and the opportunities it presents to appreciate the overwhelming good memories of times past, both many years ago and also recent. The absent mindeness and occassional difficulties in verbal communications, maybe, lead to enhanced focus on the positive aspect of the many things I can do, rather than longing for the enhancement of past abilities.
Much appreciation and pleasure is gained from regularly visiting areas of the town where I was born and revisiting areas in the town centre. Although it has changed considerably from how it was in the 1950/60s, nevertheless there are some significant features that are unchanged and that have been splendidly blended in with the relatively modern buildings. It provides an excellent, gentle, eclectic mix of the past and the present, the yesteryear and the now. I find a regular couple of hours amble alone through the streets of the town centre, to be a most calming and rewarding experience. Seeing the people of today and at the same time enjoying thoughts of people I knew and well known characters of the town from times gone by, is a most enjoyable experience.
So the D is seeming not only to be slowing aspects down, but more importantly, providing enhancment of other mental facets.
The above experience, is not to deny the times of past unhappiness or trauma, but rather, not to feel the need to have them as a focus. Not to let them be a distraction from the beauty of each present day and the opportunities it presents to appreciate the overwhelming good memories of times past, both many years ago and also recent. The absent mindeness and occassional difficulties in verbal communications, maybe, lead to enhanced focus on the positive aspect of the many things I can do, rather than longing for the enhancement of past abilities.
Much appreciation and pleasure is gained from regularly visiting areas of the town where I was born and revisiting areas in the town centre. Although it has changed considerably from how it was in the 1950/60s, nevertheless there are some significant features that are unchanged and that have been splendidly blended in with the relatively modern buildings. It provides an excellent, gentle, eclectic mix of the past and the present, the yesteryear and the now. I find a regular couple of hours amble alone through the streets of the town centre, to be a most calming and rewarding experience. Seeing the people of today and at the same time enjoying thoughts of people I knew and well known characters of the town from times gone by, is a most enjoyable experience.
So the D is seeming not only to be slowing aspects down, but more importantly, providing enhancment of other mental facets.
Friday, 9 September 2011
PATIENT INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Today's blog has been prompted by a feature I read this week in a local newspaper, regarding the advances in Dementia care at a specialist unit.
The above feature stated; "Staff even leave dusters lying around the wards so that patients can assert their independence and feel useful by polishing the furniture." If and when I have to go into one of these units, I hope that supportive developments in the field of specialist pschotherapeutic support for Dementia patients will have moved on considerably, from the stated practice of leaving dusters lying around for me to do a bit of dusting! I see this as a degrading and from my perspective can be described as lazy and unimaginative provision of care.
Apparently, the specialist caring innovations include: "Other ways to sooth patients include giving them pieces of cloth covered in buttons, zips and a variety of textured fabrics with which they can fiddle." I can think of nothing more agitating, than being presented with a load of buttons on a cloth, together with zips to attempt to undo. Having witnessed my late father, who had Alzheimer's, anxiously struggling with his key case and knowing that with it's removal, he became less anxious, I am extremely concerned if the above kind of "specialist care" awaits me.
Interestingly / disturbingly, no reference was made to the difference in the provision of services for those in the relatively early stages of the disease's development and people who are suffering it's advanced stage.
I am in two minds as to whether to contact the nurse in charge of the unit to offer her a relatively early stage dementia, patient's insight / observations. One reason I hesitate to offer my observations, is that, it is possible, should my observations be seen as threatening and unwelcome, my reaction ccould be unproductive. One of the byproducts of the condition, that I have been increasingly aware of this past year, is that, increasingly, I can no longer confidently predict my response to people and situations.
As I write, I am now increasingly of the opinion, that it might be safer, for all concerned, if I were to forward my observations in writing to the unit.
Another frightening omission from the newspaper feature, was the total lack of reference of the necessity to maintain a patient's dignity and self respect. For people to be treated with dignity and to be able to maintain their self respect, I believe, is essential in any health care setting.
Rather than dusting, patients should be offered the opportunity to commence blogging!
JSAFGA
The above feature stated; "Staff even leave dusters lying around the wards so that patients can assert their independence and feel useful by polishing the furniture." If and when I have to go into one of these units, I hope that supportive developments in the field of specialist pschotherapeutic support for Dementia patients will have moved on considerably, from the stated practice of leaving dusters lying around for me to do a bit of dusting! I see this as a degrading and from my perspective can be described as lazy and unimaginative provision of care.
Apparently, the specialist caring innovations include: "Other ways to sooth patients include giving them pieces of cloth covered in buttons, zips and a variety of textured fabrics with which they can fiddle." I can think of nothing more agitating, than being presented with a load of buttons on a cloth, together with zips to attempt to undo. Having witnessed my late father, who had Alzheimer's, anxiously struggling with his key case and knowing that with it's removal, he became less anxious, I am extremely concerned if the above kind of "specialist care" awaits me.
Interestingly / disturbingly, no reference was made to the difference in the provision of services for those in the relatively early stages of the disease's development and people who are suffering it's advanced stage.
I am in two minds as to whether to contact the nurse in charge of the unit to offer her a relatively early stage dementia, patient's insight / observations. One reason I hesitate to offer my observations, is that, it is possible, should my observations be seen as threatening and unwelcome, my reaction ccould be unproductive. One of the byproducts of the condition, that I have been increasingly aware of this past year, is that, increasingly, I can no longer confidently predict my response to people and situations.
As I write, I am now increasingly of the opinion, that it might be safer, for all concerned, if I were to forward my observations in writing to the unit.
Another frightening omission from the newspaper feature, was the total lack of reference of the necessity to maintain a patient's dignity and self respect. For people to be treated with dignity and to be able to maintain their self respect, I believe, is essential in any health care setting.
Rather than dusting, patients should be offered the opportunity to commence blogging!
JSAFGA
Thursday, 1 September 2011
HUMOUR CAN BE A MASSIVE SUPPORT
Humour can be an incredible support for people in general and likewise with dementia.
Yes, you do run a risk that people will be laughing at you, rather than with you and that this can be a more of a behind the hand snigger rather than laughter of an appreciative nature at the real humour in situations. However, I believe this is a risk worth taking and whatever others views, may or may not be, dont let this aprehension stultify the growth and increased happiness / sustinence, that humour and laughter can bring.
So what if some really dont find the comment or situation amusing? - that is their right. However, it is also your right to maximise the enjoyment of the humour, provided it is not at another's expense.
I am moved to write this blog, following an incident that occured earlier today, as detailed below:-
My wife was out visiting a neighbour when the phone rang. This is of significance as she will normally answer the phone if she is at home, mainly because I often have difficulty communicating fluently on the phone for any length of time and find it a strain.
On saying hello, the caller asked is it was Mr A, too which I replied "yes". He asked the same question again and at this point I thought I recognised the voice as that of a good friend from Wales. At this point, thinking it was my friend, I therefore replied in an oriental accent that it was the local village Chinese Laundry and that all white items of laundry should be kept seperately from coloured items. I then asked the caller did he want to place an order and if he didnt to stop wasting my time and get off the line. At this point, there was a deafening silence, so I then asked in my normal voice if it was my friend Geoff. At this point the person on the other end of the line said;" Mr A, it is Dr H your GP here". When I confirmed to him that it was and that I had thought it was a friend ringing, he said "thank goodness for that, I thought you had gone really bonkers".
Ironically, my GP had rung to let me know that, following my request during a recent consultation with him that he enquire about the possibility of attending counselling sessions, if I considered that they might be helpful at some time, he was reporting progress. This had therefore been the purpose of the phone call from him to confirm that the local mental health team would be available if and when I wished to be referred for a counselling session. We were then both able to enjoy the joke re the identity mix up. However, I think he may now be relieved that he has made contact with the mental health team regarding myself!!
Interestingly, for my own protection, although I am anonymously prepared to share this event via this blog, I would not risk anyone, other than family, being made aware of the above event, as it would be likely, in my opinion, to further colour their perception of my mental state.
JSAFGA
Yes, you do run a risk that people will be laughing at you, rather than with you and that this can be a more of a behind the hand snigger rather than laughter of an appreciative nature at the real humour in situations. However, I believe this is a risk worth taking and whatever others views, may or may not be, dont let this aprehension stultify the growth and increased happiness / sustinence, that humour and laughter can bring.
So what if some really dont find the comment or situation amusing? - that is their right. However, it is also your right to maximise the enjoyment of the humour, provided it is not at another's expense.
I am moved to write this blog, following an incident that occured earlier today, as detailed below:-
My wife was out visiting a neighbour when the phone rang. This is of significance as she will normally answer the phone if she is at home, mainly because I often have difficulty communicating fluently on the phone for any length of time and find it a strain.
On saying hello, the caller asked is it was Mr A, too which I replied "yes". He asked the same question again and at this point I thought I recognised the voice as that of a good friend from Wales. At this point, thinking it was my friend, I therefore replied in an oriental accent that it was the local village Chinese Laundry and that all white items of laundry should be kept seperately from coloured items. I then asked the caller did he want to place an order and if he didnt to stop wasting my time and get off the line. At this point, there was a deafening silence, so I then asked in my normal voice if it was my friend Geoff. At this point the person on the other end of the line said;" Mr A, it is Dr H your GP here". When I confirmed to him that it was and that I had thought it was a friend ringing, he said "thank goodness for that, I thought you had gone really bonkers".
Ironically, my GP had rung to let me know that, following my request during a recent consultation with him that he enquire about the possibility of attending counselling sessions, if I considered that they might be helpful at some time, he was reporting progress. This had therefore been the purpose of the phone call from him to confirm that the local mental health team would be available if and when I wished to be referred for a counselling session. We were then both able to enjoy the joke re the identity mix up. However, I think he may now be relieved that he has made contact with the mental health team regarding myself!!
Interestingly, for my own protection, although I am anonymously prepared to share this event via this blog, I would not risk anyone, other than family, being made aware of the above event, as it would be likely, in my opinion, to further colour their perception of my mental state.
JSAFGA
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
TODAY'S OPPORTUNITIES V THE REDUCTION IN YESTERDAY'S ABILITIES
One way to deal with reduced abilities is, rather than focusing on their loss, to find ways of creating new skills. This may or may not require new physical or mental agility or both. Where possible, try and counteract each loss, by creating a gain.
One aspect of the slowly increasing dementing state, of which I am conscious and have also been made aware by others, is that of increased insensitivity in relation to others, which on occasions, understandably causes offence / upset. At the time of the incidents, the issue of others sensitivities is not considered a priority. A point has to be made or matter clarified, at that time. Sometimes, it is only on reflection and /or it being discussed calmly, at a later time, that recognition / acceptance of the inappropriateness of one's behaviour, occurs. What is the relevance of this in relation to the observation in the above paragraph? This is given below:-
The loosening up of one's sensitivity / verbal inhibitions, while disturbing to others, can sometimes be channeled positively. I have tried to do so recently through writing a couple of short children's stories. Though not great literary pieces, they have proved to be a method of using the simplest of subjects, i.e.wildlife, to develop / maintain the creative side of my personality, that in the past was channelled into my professional working life. These stories have facilitated the ideal combination of the factual and the fanciful. This combination of aspects currently dominates my thought processes and to a greater or lesser degree must be influencing my behaviour towards and response to others. I lay great emphasis on individuals "keeping it real" talking straight and not wrapping things up in fanciful unreal language. The reason I require this to be so, is to enable me to, readily understand what is being said, as I now find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on trying to establish and listen to the "music behind the words".
The loss of the ability to focus and fully absorb what is being said, is now being superseded by the attempt to counteract it through the development, however feebly, by this occasional writing of short stories for young children.
JSAFGA
One aspect of the slowly increasing dementing state, of which I am conscious and have also been made aware by others, is that of increased insensitivity in relation to others, which on occasions, understandably causes offence / upset. At the time of the incidents, the issue of others sensitivities is not considered a priority. A point has to be made or matter clarified, at that time. Sometimes, it is only on reflection and /or it being discussed calmly, at a later time, that recognition / acceptance of the inappropriateness of one's behaviour, occurs. What is the relevance of this in relation to the observation in the above paragraph? This is given below:-
The loosening up of one's sensitivity / verbal inhibitions, while disturbing to others, can sometimes be channeled positively. I have tried to do so recently through writing a couple of short children's stories. Though not great literary pieces, they have proved to be a method of using the simplest of subjects, i.e.wildlife, to develop / maintain the creative side of my personality, that in the past was channelled into my professional working life. These stories have facilitated the ideal combination of the factual and the fanciful. This combination of aspects currently dominates my thought processes and to a greater or lesser degree must be influencing my behaviour towards and response to others. I lay great emphasis on individuals "keeping it real" talking straight and not wrapping things up in fanciful unreal language. The reason I require this to be so, is to enable me to, readily understand what is being said, as I now find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on trying to establish and listen to the "music behind the words".
The loss of the ability to focus and fully absorb what is being said, is now being superseded by the attempt to counteract it through the development, however feebly, by this occasional writing of short stories for young children.
JSAFGA
Monday, 29 August 2011
VALUABLE v VIABLE
Comments increasingly heard, among non medical, as well as medical persons, in relation to other human beings, both born and unborn, is whether or not these individuals are considered viable.
What one considers viable may depend on the value one attaches to the person concerned. Viability and value may be very closely linked, dependent upon the circumstances that necessitate or lead to the viewpoint being expressed, or the subject being considered. These considerations are undoubtedly going to tax the minds of our politicians and other decision makers in decades to come, particularly, as a result of the projected ageing population in the UK. We will all have to fight our own corner, as long as we are capable of doing so, either individually, or collectively, or probably a combination of both.
Will we be considered a drain on the community's resources, when we can no longer provide what is considered a valuable input into society? Will our viability be questioned by the decision makers of the day? Will the value of the input we made into society during our lives, when we were considered to be vital and valuable, as well as viable, be considered when our future is questioned / considered?
As we lie in the nursing home or hospital bed, hopefully, there will be someone around who will be in a position to point out to the young fit decision makers, that the person they see lying, silently, there is the same person others remember for his/her contribution to society, no matter how great or small it was. He /she is still a member of the human race. God considered him/her a valuable creation, whether born or unborn.
The above is possibly for the future. What about today? The object will be to ensure that, while one can, one maximises one's ability to provide a valuable role for one's family and leave concerns regarding the judgement of one's value, to God, who I believe is not interested in one's potential viability!
JSAFGA
What one considers viable may depend on the value one attaches to the person concerned. Viability and value may be very closely linked, dependent upon the circumstances that necessitate or lead to the viewpoint being expressed, or the subject being considered. These considerations are undoubtedly going to tax the minds of our politicians and other decision makers in decades to come, particularly, as a result of the projected ageing population in the UK. We will all have to fight our own corner, as long as we are capable of doing so, either individually, or collectively, or probably a combination of both.
Will we be considered a drain on the community's resources, when we can no longer provide what is considered a valuable input into society? Will our viability be questioned by the decision makers of the day? Will the value of the input we made into society during our lives, when we were considered to be vital and valuable, as well as viable, be considered when our future is questioned / considered?
As we lie in the nursing home or hospital bed, hopefully, there will be someone around who will be in a position to point out to the young fit decision makers, that the person they see lying, silently, there is the same person others remember for his/her contribution to society, no matter how great or small it was. He /she is still a member of the human race. God considered him/her a valuable creation, whether born or unborn.
The above is possibly for the future. What about today? The object will be to ensure that, while one can, one maximises one's ability to provide a valuable role for one's family and leave concerns regarding the judgement of one's value, to God, who I believe is not interested in one's potential viability!
JSAFGA
Friday, 26 August 2011
A TRUSTED, PROFESSIONAL EAR CAN ASSIST
Having experienced the development of a, less than tranquil transitional period, during the past few weeks, I considered it necessary to arrange an extended appointment, for a one to one discussion, with my GP the other day. It was the first appointment I have arranged with him, specifically, to discuss the dementing state, outside of my annual, general health, review.
It was a satisfactory consultation from my point of view. He did all the listening! It provided an important opportunity to update the GP on developments, from my perspective. Arrangements for professional counselling sessions, should I consider it appropriate at anytime, are now being undertaken. This backup facility, I have been considering requesting for sometime. Knowing that it will be available, should I wish to avail of it, is a great help.
There has been an increasing sense of an erosion of independence and reduction in one's ability to be in charge of one's destiny. Some of this has been real and some has, possibly, been more perception than reality. Being independent and even more importantly, in charge of one's destiny, is extremely important. I wish the same to apply, as far as is practically possible, at all the remaining developmental stages of my life. This is possible even within the confines of a residential care facility. Although not always the case, in these establishments, the emphasis should be on ascertaining and as far as possible, meeting, the needs of the cared for, as opposed to the needs / convenience of the organisation.
A sense of being misunderstood and misunderstanding others, is a complicated business, with which one has to deal. It is a challenging and complex business, under normal circumstances, yet even more complex now, at a time when keeping things uncomplicated and clear are essential to maximising function ability. In order to avoid the dangers of complexity, it is necessary to seek out individuals who have the ability and adaptability to "talk straight" and who I can know of you that you will "say what you mean and mean what you say". This is far more important now, than it was a couple of years ago. There is a risk, of which there have been a couple, of unfortunate incidents, where I have considered it necessary to tell individuals to do so. In social situations, this understandly, from their "normal" perspective, is considered "ungracious". Yes, that may be the case. However, I no longer, always receive or perceive things that people say and do, in the same way as I may have in the past. This applies to family, friends and strangers and therefore it is not that one group is singled out for special treatment, be it good or bad!
HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS IN A POSITIVE, PROBLEM SOLVING, MANNER?
a. Avoid, as far as practically possible, people (the number seems to increase) who you know seem to present such difficulties.
b. Find one or two individuals (they may be small in number) who you know do not present these problems.
c. Try and develop strategies for dealing with such situations, without causing offence.
d. Try and remind yourself that there was a time in the past when these individuals would not have seemed to present such difficulties for you. It is not that they who have changed - Accept, it is you that has changed! Nevertheless, don't beat yourself up about it. If the battery is losing it's power, you cant expect the light to shine so brightly!
JSAFGA
It was a satisfactory consultation from my point of view. He did all the listening! It provided an important opportunity to update the GP on developments, from my perspective. Arrangements for professional counselling sessions, should I consider it appropriate at anytime, are now being undertaken. This backup facility, I have been considering requesting for sometime. Knowing that it will be available, should I wish to avail of it, is a great help.
There has been an increasing sense of an erosion of independence and reduction in one's ability to be in charge of one's destiny. Some of this has been real and some has, possibly, been more perception than reality. Being independent and even more importantly, in charge of one's destiny, is extremely important. I wish the same to apply, as far as is practically possible, at all the remaining developmental stages of my life. This is possible even within the confines of a residential care facility. Although not always the case, in these establishments, the emphasis should be on ascertaining and as far as possible, meeting, the needs of the cared for, as opposed to the needs / convenience of the organisation.
A sense of being misunderstood and misunderstanding others, is a complicated business, with which one has to deal. It is a challenging and complex business, under normal circumstances, yet even more complex now, at a time when keeping things uncomplicated and clear are essential to maximising function ability. In order to avoid the dangers of complexity, it is necessary to seek out individuals who have the ability and adaptability to "talk straight" and who I can know of you that you will "say what you mean and mean what you say". This is far more important now, than it was a couple of years ago. There is a risk, of which there have been a couple, of unfortunate incidents, where I have considered it necessary to tell individuals to do so. In social situations, this understandly, from their "normal" perspective, is considered "ungracious". Yes, that may be the case. However, I no longer, always receive or perceive things that people say and do, in the same way as I may have in the past. This applies to family, friends and strangers and therefore it is not that one group is singled out for special treatment, be it good or bad!
HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS IN A POSITIVE, PROBLEM SOLVING, MANNER?
a. Avoid, as far as practically possible, people (the number seems to increase) who you know seem to present such difficulties.
b. Find one or two individuals (they may be small in number) who you know do not present these problems.
c. Try and develop strategies for dealing with such situations, without causing offence.
d. Try and remind yourself that there was a time in the past when these individuals would not have seemed to present such difficulties for you. It is not that they who have changed - Accept, it is you that has changed! Nevertheless, don't beat yourself up about it. If the battery is losing it's power, you cant expect the light to shine so brightly!
JSAFGA
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