On March 23, 2009, we started a Pathways to Memory program at Sunrise Assisted Living, Sandy Utah with the support of the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah. The study lasted six weeks. It involved residents living in the Reminiscence Unit (Rem), which is the Alzheimer’s lock down unit, and in Assisted Living (AL). On April 16, 2009 (about four weeks into the study) we had a meeting with some of the family members and staff of Sunrise to discuss how things were going. Following are the comments made by family members, staff at Sunrise who are working with the residents on a daily basis and our Pathways Partners:
Barbara D. (80, AL)
Barbara has been more calm and cooperative at 3:00 socials; her social interaction has improved. Barbara came to get her nails done for the 1st time ever. – Staff.
Betty G. (77, Rem)
1. Major – my mother is now cooperative in bathing. 2. My mother is more cooperative over all. 3. My mother is usually very uncooperative when I take her to the doctor. She was much better today. 4. Anxiety has gone down. 5. Seems more content. – Son. (The son also told me that he feels less guilty about not spending more time with his mother because he knows she is now so much happier and more involved in the community.)
Less hostile situations – very pleasant attitude majority of time. Responds well with direct answers and being cognitive. – Staff.
Beverly T. (78, Rem)
Participating more; anxiety is maybe a bit less; memory, no clear picture of improvement. – Husband.
Beverly is more independent using the restroom. – Staff.
Beverly has been more calm and a lot less timid. She isn’t so afraid to use the bathroom with verbal cues. She is remembering other residents’ names and interacting more with them. She has been joking with them and very engaged both one on one and in a group. – Staff.
Jean and Bev get along very well. They talked for a good hour or hour and a half. They helped each other out with lunch. – Staff. (These two residents had not interacted previously.)
Beverly H. (81, AL)
Housekeeper mentioned that she is much easier to work with. Doesn’t complain as much and is more pleasant. Used to complain constantly. – Pathways Partner.
Floyd H. (85, Rem)
More outgoing. Talkative and physical “conditioning.” - Son (The son talked about Floyd walking without his walker and being more stable on his feet.)
He is a lot more talkative and more alert. He is happier. Deb (the Reminiscence Unit manager) said he did “Karaoke” and got everyone up and going. Not so anxious. – Daughter.
Floyd has really blossomed. He is more involved in activities where before he isolated himself in his room. Floyd and I had a 30 minute conversation which was completely coherent. I believe Floyd is more engaged and involved all the time. When I invite Floyd to activities, he is happy to join us. – Staff.
George K. (91, AL)
Wants to keep the program going. Asks caregiver if she will continue with him after the study is done. – Staff.
Jack D. (92, Rem)
Jack has been seeking more interaction, he comes out of his room ready to talk and participate in activities. – Staff.
Very cognitive with one on one situations. – Staff.
Cooperative showering. – Staff.
Jean A (81, Rem)
The people involved in Pathways recognize each other, sit together and have a sense of community. For example, Jean was having a rough day, and Nelson, Wayne and Ron all sat beside her and comforted her. She told them how much she appreciated their support. – Staff.
Beverly and Jean get along very well. They enjoy talking to each other and helping each other out with meals. – Staff.
Nelson L. (82, Rem)
Cognitive abilities, especially one on one, are much better. Can answer and respond to questions and situations while understanding and being focused. – Staff.
Ronald P. (85, Rem)
Refused to participate directly in Pathways, but will engage in the common room as Barbara works with others. Is more social now. He now interacts with the other Pathways clients. He is going on outings now. Prior to starting Pathways, he spent most of the time in his room. – Pathways Partner.
Ruth F. (84, AL)
Ruth has been less agitated at dinner time – before she would refuse all menu items. Ruth has been calmer and more cooperative. – Staff.
Viola K. (86, AL)
Viola is more talkative and responsive – usually she is quiet. She is now able to refuse items on the menu that she does not want, which she did not do before. Viola has overall been more vocal about her needs. Viola has been more assertive in telling care managers she wants to attend activities – even if her husband disagrees. – Staff.
Wayne R. (85, Rem)
I’ve seen some improvement in my Dad’s ability to carry on a conversation. He is very aware of what is happening. Problem solving seems improved. –Daughter
Wayne has been very compassionate and reaching out to other residents in the community. He seems more happy and less anxious. – Staff.