Memory Care--The Fishbowl

simplebender

Memory Care is a closed and controlled environment, welcome to The Fishbowl

http://simplebender.com/2024/05/25/joy-in-alzheimers-episode-35-the-fishbowl/

concerned_sister

Thanks for sharing your observations. This line hit me:

 She is uncomfortable with the dementia manifestations of the other residents yet cannot see her own limitations and mental lapses. 

It never hit me before that with this disease they may see others clearly while the "image" of themselves is distorted.

M1

Very true, my partner in late stage 6 can clearly distinguish who has dementia her facility and who doesn't. Not clear to me that all residents can do this however. And i do not agree with the fishbowl analogy particularly.

harshedbuzz

That was pretty spot-on.

About her description of confusion over the identical doors; I'm not sure it matters TBH. At dad's MCF, each door had a shadow box decorated by family to help orient the PWD to their suite. We put lots of pictures of younger dad in it as it helps staff (who do look at these) know something of the individual pre-dementia. Plus dad enjoyed looking at pictures of his old handsome devil self more than say, family members. And auntie's fancy MCF had halls lined with doors in a kind of faux streetscape with a distinct style and door. Hers was a kind of brick colonial with a shiny red 6-panel door that reminded me of Talbots, while others were Victorian, MCM or Craftsman style. They still got confused, lost or shopped 'til they dropped.

It does become a community.

Dad could also report fairly accurately on the relative stage and presentation of the folks in his wing. There was one woman who was so nicely dressed and groomed (she had a private aide daily to dress her) that I thought she was an administrator, but dad said— rather loudly— "this is the looney bin and she's the top looney". She did speak word salad. He, on the other hand, was same as always in his opinion.

HB

simplebender

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210991#Comment_210991

thank you for your thoughts and comment…it is interesting to try to understand what they see and don't see NeverFearTheDream…Courage

simplebender

Thanks for your thoughts, to some the fishbowl doesn't resonate to others it did, and that's ok. We are all here trying, just trying….

NeverFearTheDream….Courage

simplebender

Thanks for the comment….insight into their thoughts can be helpful and at times humorous and sad all at the same time

NeverFearTheDream….Courage

harshedbuzz

@concerned_sister said: It never hit me before that with this disease they may see others clearly while the "image" of themselves is distorted.

That's kind of the very definition of anosognosia.

simplebender

anosognosia is a symptom of demensia….so yes…