What constitutes a structured environment for alzheimer's patient? Eyes-On Medication??
My Mother was tested and one of her results was that she would benefit from a structured environment. My mother was placed in a Memory Care Unit. I would say it was the nicest I have ever seen in August 22, 2007 by her family doctors and after having an evaluation at St. Francis Hospital in Indiana. She was doing very well until one sibling (there are four) started visiting and informing my Mom she didn't need to be there. The very first week or so she just wanted to come home. I think they all want to go home. But she did so well. The place had a huge sign in their family/dinning area. Everyday they would list starting with breakfast everything that was happening all that day. My mother would walk around a lot but she also seemed to feel secure in reading the sign and what was coming next. She never stayed in her room, she played games, watched movies did crafts. But, My oldest sister, totally in denial of my mother condition, has caused my Mother so much harm. She is not offering to give her 24 hour care. I actually need to know what constitues the structured enviorment?
Thanks,
Mom's baby
I am not a health professional. My father-in-law has advanced Alzheimer's. I guess a controlled environment is one that can contain their odd behaviors due to the disease. My father-in-law has home care 24 hours. There are 2 caregivers taking turns. Regarding medication, for sure someone needs to remind him or her when to take it. When they get sicker, someone has to hide the medication in case they take it wrongfully. These patients are like a child and someone needs to supervise them.
Usually assisted living or skilled nursing care will do. If it is home care, someone who knows how to deal with it should be with the patients 24 hours. For early Alzheimer's. maybe supervision is enough.
Just my 2 cents.
Nina
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Hi
A structured environment is a place with a well defined structure, an organized structure. Just how structured that environment needs to be will depend on your Mom, how severe her Alzheimer's disease is ( i.e at what stage of Alzeimer's disease your mother is in), and how she responds to changes of routine, events etc.
Giving structure to the day and night is very important for people experiencing memory loss. Your Mom's ability to see and relate to information about what is going on, what she can join in, sounds as though her Alzheimer's is not too severe so that's great. Structure gives great reassurance. It is a point of contact and conversation between caregivers and residents. It also shows visitors that things are going on!
Good places should offer individual and well as group activities.
I am sorry there is family conflict about your Mom's placement. Having to choose care away from someone's home is very hard for everyone. I hope you can resolve it in some way.
Christine
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It's so sad that your mom was moved away from her structured, safe place. I'm sorry you have to handle this. It's too bad your sister is in such denial. Sibling issues can be really a huge pain for many families, as you obviously know.
You can try to mimic the center she was in as much as possible. Put up signs on things (pictures are good, since they are understandable longer into the Alzheimer's jouney). You could buy a white board and list day activities, like the center did. But there's really isn't a way to make it the same. But part of what your mother misses is structure, and part is likely the socialization with peers.
Is there any way your sister would listen to a social worker? Maybe he or she could help her understand the value of what your mother had.
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Hello and thanks so much for your question.
It looks like you have received some great feedback already. I just wanted to add you might be interested in reviewing the material in our Caregiver Center. It could be helpful to both you and your siblings. Specifically, you may want to contact the Alzheimer's Foundation of America 24/7 hotline at 1.866.AFA.8484. They have been a vaulable resource to our communty members.
Hope this helps, all the best, sue (moderator)
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