A Note from Tricia

 

My mother was a resident in an Assisted Living Facility. When she could no longer take care of personal needs independently, I was faced with a decision many families face at this time, nursing home? or in home care with a caregiver? I decided the home caregiving option was best for us. I took her to our family lake home, and become her caregiver.

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As time went on, mom’s physical limitations, memory and communication skills declined and she required several hospital or rehab stays ~ for “tune-ups”, as we called them, to improve her function. While there, she was unable to communicate her personal history and preferences. As her daughter and primary caregiver, I knew her likes and dislikes. Her favorite shows, music, clothes, foods, books etc. Although I was with her often, it was impossible for me to educate all shifts of caregivers, and visitors.

 

 As a therapist, I knew how difficult it was to have a limited history for an evaluation. A confused patient is not able to provide history or the information regarding previous abilities, needed to develop appropriate goals and plans of care. I did not want that for mom.  

 

I wanted the caregivers to see beyond a helpless confused old woman.  I wanted them to know that before she was their patient or resident, she had a life. I wanted them to know that once she was a young, vibrant woman who lived a full life, had a family, and many stories to tell.  

 

As she was not able to tell her own story, I developed “About Norma”. A personalized memory book filled with biographical information, information regarding previous abilities, her current activities, and the things she liked in the past.  I included interesting facts about her life and preferences with lots of photos to help tell her story.

 

During subsequent visits, I was overwhelmed with positive feedback. Her caregivers and visitors loved having this reference to learn about, and reminisce with Norma.

  

This book opened the door for everyone who came in contact with her, to relate to her as a person, increase interactions, and provide emotional support.  

 

I hope it will do the same for you, and your loved ones, as you navigate a path through the many changes associated with aging.

 

~Tricia