As I read the stories at the Living Through Windows site Liz mentioned, I realized how thankful I was that Mother and Auntie also had caregivers in nursing homes who cared about them. This section about the caregivers at the Third Floor Phillips reveals how much the caregivers care and the understanding they have for patients with this disease.
Tasha Hamm mentions: “You don’t remember the bad days. You remember the little miracles, the windows, the amazing things that happen. I hope I give them the same care someone would give my father if he was here. I hope they can feel, in some way, that sense of love.”
As I think about Mother and Auntie’s care, I realize so many of their caregivers felt the same way for them and the other patients. Even though the Alzheimer’s patients might be difficult at times, the staff working on these wards usually they were there from choice.
When I had to move Mother 275 miles from Auntie’s nursing home to my home, the nurses wrote letters letting Mother know how her sister was. They didn’t have to do this, but when I mentioned Mother was concerned, they took time. (And Mother wasn’t even their patient!)
With a touch, a soft word, a smile, a laugh…a caregiver provides comfort and encouragement. Mother’s and Auntie’s caregivers read to them, found music they liked, fixed their hair, did their nails. They might not do this every day, but found time to do something special on a regular basis.
So often it’s the small things that caregivers do, sometimes things we’re not even aware of or notice.
As I think back about the caregivers who remain in my mind, I realize they cared for the patient and the families. They were willing to take time in their busy schedule to explain to me what Mother might be feeling, what was happening with her care, why certain routines were changed.
There was sense that they really cared.