No one wants to be completely alone. Of course, there are those who would rather be left alone, but still the phantom of human interaction persists for them - these are the patients who want the security of knowing there is someone there but have other reasons for being alone. Then, there are those who are left without anyone except, perhaps, the caregivers. While the interactions between them and other residents might qualify as a viable community, it does nothing for the impact of having friends and family come to chat and spend some time.
During my research, I discovered that there was a time in which nursing homes managed to keep families and other visitors from coming; they found the outside intrusions and possible interventions to be counterproductive to their wants and needs for the patients. (Family Involvement in Residential Long-Term Care: A …) There was an attitude that people were simply “dumped” into these homes, and the family was discouraged from coming - and this impacted many greatly. However, this attitude did change, obviously, as the population became more socially conscious, and more of the aged began needing more types of assistance - hence the need for Assisted Living, Memory Care, as well as Independent Living facilities.
As the years have progressed, there are more and more facilities opening offering more opportunities for visitors, activities, and chances for the patients to explore. This has had a significant impact on the patients, especially those in memory care, as this would be the focus of this post.
The impact of visitors depends on the frequency, as well. While the patient’s well-being seemed to improve, it also enhanced their feelings of belonging, support, and identity. For the families, they felt far more connected to the care facility and had positive interactions with the majority of the staff, as well as with their loved one(s). (Abstract) While families still “dump” their elderly into facilities and do not visit (I’ve seen it, and it’s truly heart breaking), there are more that actually come and tend to the social well-being of their loved one(s). ( Impact on family and friends)
I’ve heard many state that they would go, but the patient is only a shell of what they once were. I would have to say, “Hogwash! How would you know what’s there? Perhaps there is a small part that is still clinging to the hope that one of their family members would at least acknowledge their existence!” But, I suppose there’s nothing that can get through to them, either.
There is also dog-therapy, which does bring more joy than not. It can allow those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage dementia to use different faculties that stimulate their brain and other senses. Of course, these patients need to be prone to enjoying canine company, and the dogs need to be clean and trained. But the joy on those faces when they can enjoy the presence of these animals is glorious! While these may not be the same faces shown to family members, it still stimulates parts of the brain which release the endorphins and dopamine that help with the dementia (Get PDF (153K)).
I do remember Mom meeting my little Samson for the first time. She fell in love. Mom is not a dog lover, either. But something about him charmed her. She even wanted to have her friends meet him (I do believe this was a sign she was degenerating, but it was a very nice aspect at the time).
Samson - the peke-a-poo
I have seen the effect of regular family visits with the other residents at St. A’s. Those who haven’t the frequency tend to be more sullen and lost, while those who have regular visits are usually more vibrant and pleasant (I never thought I’d say that about Mom, but she is much more agreeable!). Mom receives at least 3-5 visits a week, and she loves the hospice nurses and all the extra attention - but as I’ve stated many times, she believes herself to be of royal blood.
So, if you know someone who is suffering from a form of dementia and it is possible to spend just a little time going to see them, please do - you’ll have no inkling as to the impact, but it may do wonders for more than just them.
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