Saturday, May 25, 2013

" Twenty Seven Days "

Alzheimer's/Dementia is a very sad disease. And it truly is a disease. I think there are still misconceptions about this when in actuality, it is a physical " Death " so to speak, of certain parts of the brain. There may be several causes including heredity and stroke that can cause portions of the brain to die. This leads to many, many different behaviors both physical and mental.

This being said, it is also very challenging for family members, care givers and most importantly, the loved one that suffers from Alzheimer's/Dementia themselves.

While I could get into the physical dynamics of this disease in more detail, I'm not here to write a medical journal entry about the disease at this time. I am by no means an expert in this subject but have researched, observed and cared for these very sweet, loving, scared, intelligent, active, combative, sad and depressed people.



Caring for the resident's with this disease has been such a challenge. During my C.N.A. clinical's, I took an immediate interest in this subject, surprisingly, to myself.  

I consider myself very fortunate to be caring for these residents. I love each and every one of them in their own way despite the sometimes and often difficult behaviors. 

I truly cannot explain what it's like to be in their world. All that I can say is that I am learning new strategies every day in dealing with this difficult disease. I have many stories to tell. I am working as a C.N.A. everyday with them and I feel blessed to be next to them even through the sometimes violent moments.

There but for the grace of God go I.
That's what I told my C.N.A. instructor our class should be called. And it's true. It could be me.
It could be you someday in that situation.

Although I am not satisfied with my current place of employment right now, I will continue to learn and give the best possible care that I am able to.

In the meantime, I have Twenty-Seven days until I Take my state exam. Once I pass that or if I pass that, I will have more doors that will open up for me and I hope that I will be able to serve the Alzheimer's/Dementia patient or resident at that time.

I haven't decided yet where my path will lead me to. Or should I say, where God's path will lead me to. But I can honestly say that if I leave this place, I will sorely miss these residents who have taken a hold of my heart.

14 comments:

Lynilu said...

I hope you will find a job that fulfills you, Di. It is not easy in this field. Budgeting makes it difficult on everyone from the top down, and there seems to always be an air of overwork. But thank heaven for people like you who do this work.

My mom was in an Alzheimer's unit for about three years, and the lovely people who cared for her made it possible for us, her children and grandchildren to sleep at night. She had lovely people around her. We were all so fortunate to have the assurance of their kindness.

You're doing a beautiful thing. Keep up the loving acts. :')

Gail said...

HI DI - you are doing God's work here on Earth.
Love Gail
peace....

Lois Evensen said...

What a beautiful post. Yes, the difficulties encountered by those with dementia and their caretakers are huge. Bless you for working in this area.

All the best with your exam!

Huge hugs,
Lois

Barb said...

I can smell the heat from your brain cells, Di. We're all cheering you onward. Much Luck to you! Hi to Jake.

Rebecca said...

I can't wait to see where that path will take you!

My mother continues her descent into the world of dementia. To date, my father is her primary caregiver. It is hard to know how/when to help....

Anvilcloud said...

It's good to hear from you and to know that you are doing very well

Jackie said...

Di....I am so proud of you. I know you have a heart that is ttender and that you have a gift of ministering to others.
I want you to know how extremely proud I am of your determination and tenacity. May God continue to use you in a mighty way!!

A Lady's Life said...

I worked with seniors and if you have fun with them they will enjoy your enthusiasm. They need a smile, a kind shoulder,and to know you don't forget them as you walk by.They do leave you with so many memories and stories.You tend to think how much families are missing by not having them around even with alzheimers. The only thing I didn't like about that end of the job, was that you had to say goodbye.
Making so many friends and then losing them is hard.This is where teachers are luckier.I kept my Mom with Parkinsons and alzheimers.She was just like keeping another child.
No trouble at all.I still believe the people are still inside but trapped and can't come out.
You are a wonderful lady to do all this.

Tamara said...

Oh Di! So good to read your post and see what is transpiring in your life. So, the saga will continue as we all wait to see where God will lead you!

Hugz!

Dee said...

These people need a Diana in their life. Caring, tolerant and compassionate. I like your new blog make over....:)

Tea Cottage Pretties said...

Dear Di, it is so hard when the one's we love are older and so very sick. You must be a true blessing to these gentle souls that are shrouded by aggression. Bless your heart, I do not think I could handle it. I do hope you find "your place", the place that is right for you to work. Hugs, Beverly

The Bookworm said...

Hi Diana. Good luck with your work, you really have to have a good heart to be a CNA, it's taxing but satisfying work. I was one many years ago.
Dementia is a heartbreaking disease. So sad.
xoxo
http://yarnchick.blogspot.com/

Ellen said...

It takes a big heart to do this particular job. God blessed you with one. You truly are blessed and is a blessing to others so wonderfully.

Sharon said...

It was so nice to hear from you! Has been quite some time. I was tickled for you when you chose to work w/elderly. I loved it when I did.

Dementia, my mother had it and it was so gradual, we didn't see it coming. I think I may be going down that road myself as my short term memory has gone to pot. Other things too, but we won't go there.

Have a nice evening!