Once upon a time, in a cozy long-term care facility, there lived a vibrant and diverse community of seniors. Among them were individuals with dementia, who faced their own unique battles. These residents, despite their struggles, yearned for connection, attention, and the warmth of human interaction. Everyone’s favourite song is “Me, Me, Me, Me”.
Hello, Hello, Hello
One resident, Mrs. Johnson, resided directly across from the bustling nurses’ station. Throughout the day, her voice echoed through the corridors with the familiar refrain of “Hello, Hello, Hello.” As the nurses hurried to her side, she searched for reasons that would warrant their assistance. It became evident that her persistent behaviours stemmed from deep-rooted loneliness and the fog of dementia. Mrs. Johnson had once been the centre of her family’s world, but now, she found herself pushed aside, with rare visits from her loved ones.
In another corner of the facility, Mr. Thompson, a resident living with Parkinson’s Disease, faced his own battle. Each day, he would fervently request assistance to be freed from his wheelchair, claiming that he could walk home if only the nurses would help. No amount of explaining or reasoning could convince him otherwise. Frustration would brew, and he would angrily blame the staff for his perceived confinement. Deep down, Mr. Thompson longed for the days when his family surrounded him, but now, he felt isolated, only catching glimpses of their lives through the pictures adorning his room.
Sometimes his frustration became violent and he would lash out, slapping staff when they would not comply with his requests to be taken home. Staff learn to stay at arms reach when his temper flared. Everyone’s favourite song is “Me, Me, Me, Me”.
Empathy
These stories were not isolated instances; they echoed throughout the facility. A man named Mr. Davis would greet each shift with accusations of cruelty and hatred towards the nursing staff, leaving them bewildered. Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Davis missed the warmth of his family’s embrace, longing for the love and familiarity he once knew. The residents suffering from dementia found themselves in a world where the staff were strangers, and they felt alone in their struggles.
As nurses and family members, it was crucial to understand and respond to these attention-seeking behaviours with empathy and creativity. The key to supporting these seniors lay in recognizing their underlying emotions and addressing their individual needs
Connection and companionship
Rather than seeing Mrs. Johnson’s repeated calls for help as an annoyance, the nurses realized that she craved connection and companionship. They took the time to engage with her, sharing stories, reading her favourite books, and brightening her day with their presence. Slowly, Mrs. Johnson began to feel less alone, her calls diminishing as she found solace in the newfound friendships she had formed with the caring staff.
For Mr. Thompson, the nurses understood that his demand to walk home was symbolic of his longing for freedom and independence. They created a routine that involved wheelchair exercises, enabling him to feel a sense of movement and control. These exercises provided him with a temporary respite from his confinement, fostering a sense of empowerment and reducing his frustration.
Family involvement
The staff also recognized the importance of family involvement in the lives of their residents. By actively engaging family members in care planning and encouraging regular visits, they helped bridge the gap between the seniors and their loved ones. This collaboration allowed the family members to witness the challenges faced by their loved ones, leading to a deeper understanding and stronger support network.
In the end, through personalized care plans, meaningful connections, and unwavering compassion, the staff and family members transformed the long-term care facility into a place where seniors felt seen, heard, and valued. Each resident’s attention-seeking behaviours became an opportunity for the caregivers to delve deeper into their emotions, providing comfort and understanding.
Conclusion
As nurses and family members, we must remember that behind every demanding behaviour lies a longing for human connection. By stepping into the shoes of these seniors, we can offer them the love, care, and attention they so desperately seek. Let us embark on this journey of empathy together, ensuring that no senior feels forgotten or alone in their journey through long-term care.
