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By Rose Hooper
As soon as he walks into the door of the Caring Hands Respite
Center, John Nall looks for his name badge.
"It helps make him feel like he belongs," said Director
Dorothy Connor. "Then he starts hugging people – we
are big on hugs here," she said.
John's wife, Ronie, has been bringing him to the center, located
in the East Sylva Shopping Center, for about two months.
Married
for 60 years, John and Ronie Nall discover that the Department
on Aging's Caring Hands Respite Program provides benefits to both
the Alzheimer's patient and the caregiver. - Herald photo by
Rose Hooper
It's a toss-up who benefits more.
Once an active, take charge kind of guy, John, who has Alzheimer's
disease, is now limited in his activities. His outings to Caring
Hands gives him the opportunity for socialization with others
in a safe, loving environment.
While the participants receive individualized care, they are also
encouraged to interact with others.
"The clients help each other; it's not just us helping them,"
said Connor. "It really helps them to know there are others
in their same situation, going through the same experiences and
changes."
"The first day I brought John to the center I felt guilty,"
said Ronie.
"Somebody with Alzheimer's demands all your time and I'd
been devoting myself to John's care . . . to suddenly have a few
hours to myself didn't seem right," said Ronie.
This full-time caregiver simply drove back home and sat there,
not knowing what to do, or how to respond.
"Then the next time I brought him, I thought I'd treat myself.
The one thing I had been wanting for a long time was livers from
Kentucky Fried Chicken so I just drove there and got me some.
It felt good, doing something for myself."
Married to John for 60 years, Ronie didn't want to accept that
he had Alzheimer's.
"We'd start out to go somewhere and John would forget where
we were going, or how to get there," she said. "I was
in denial a long time because I didn't want him to have the disease."
Connor said the early stages of Alzheimer's can be hidden and
covered up from others, but as the disease advances, its presence
becomes apparent.
As John's disease progressed, Ronie began to feel the pangs of
depression. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's soon becomes
a full time 24-7 job, Ronie discovered.
"I had no outlet; I didn't know how I was going to handle
it," she said. "It was like a funeral that never ends."
Caring Hands has given both John and Ronie a renewed outlook on
life.
Three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10
am. until 3 p.m.– John eagerly anticipates the attention
of the Caring hands staff and volunteers and the group participation
with others in the program. At the same time, Ronie gets a few
hours to do things for herself, like get a hair cut or go shopping.
Even with Alzheimer's John maintains his perfectionist trait.
"When we make things here at the center, John has to make
sure everything is perfect. We made picture frames recently and
John was so careful on every aspect, even in applying the glue
– it had to be just right. He was so proud when he finished
that he couldn't wait to give his frame to Ronie that afternoon."
John is also known as the checker king at the center. "He
beats us every time, and when he wins, he just grins," said
Connor.
Speaking of grins, Connor said, "Whenever the clients leave
here at the end of the day with a smile on their face, we know
we've done something right."
For information about the center, contact Connor at 586-3819.
In November 1982, President Reagan signed a proclamation
designating the first National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. That
historic event marked the beginning of a revolution in advocacy
for, and greater awareness and understanding of, Alzheimer's disease.
Since that time, the Alzheimer's Association has used this occasion
to further its mission of advocacy,, research, care and support.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that
attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and
behavior. It affects an estimated 4 million American adults.
AD develops gradually. Problems remembering recent events and
difficulty performing familiar tasks are early symptoms. Additionally,
the Alzheimer patient may experience confusion, personality change,
behavior change, impaired judgment, and difficulty finding words,
finishing thoughts or following directions. How quickly these
changes occur will vary from person to person, but the disease
eventually leaves its victims totally unable to care for themselves.
Caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease is perhaps one
of the biggest commitments a person can face. It's one filled
with emotional stress and hard work that can also be meaningful
and rewarding. It will mean making significant adjustments in
your life. There will be enormous demands on your time and energy.
Now is the time to look at what responsibilities can be shared
with others and to develop a support network that includes family,
friends, outside sources and your local chapter of the Alzheimer's
Association.
Respite care can be very beneficial to the health and well being
of the caregiver, as well as the person with dementia. As the
caregiver, you can choose the respite care service and a schedule
that best meets your needs.
Some caregivers only use respite in emergency situations or for
special occasions, while others schedule weekly services. If you
have never used a respite care program consider some of the benefits
for you and your loved one.
Respite Care can provide a caregiver with:
• A chance to spend time with friends and family, or simply
to relax.
• Time to get things done, such as running errands, shopping
or going to the doctor.
• Time to care for themselves, such as getting a hair cut,
exercising or playing golf
Respite Care can provide the person with dementia with:
• An opportunity for one-to-one attention and a fresh approach
from the respite-care helper.
• A chance to get out of the house, participate in enjoyable
activities and socialize with others.
• An opportunity to be around others who are experiencing
similar difficulties.
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