I was on a training course today with some of my colleagues from the chaplaincy where I volunteer. Though I've studied mental health as part of my post grad in counselling I found there is still so many issues that I am unaware of. Today was one of those days. Though learning about dementia and having a family member with alzheimer’s I thought I understood it well but today's learning has really opened my eyes to delirium (acute confusional state) which often is underdiagnosed and in some cases misdiagnosed where people are labelled with dementia (which is non reversible) when delirium can be treated and cured.
I think for me, the biggest learning, and what resonated most from today was the importance of our faculties and capturing stories; the loss of either is devastating. Working with dementia patients/clients, is about knowing as much as you can, learning about them so you may relate, and be able to communicate in a way which may be familiar to them. Knowing where they lived, where they grew up, family members, parts of their history is vital to help bring about calm when they are in a state of confusion or anxiety. Creating a storybook of pictures, items, things that are symbolic and hold meaning are a way of developing a way to engage. Reminiscing or storytelling, creating a way to tap into memories that evoke happy or joyous emotion is immensely useful. The point is, our stories matter. We matter, and our life and history matters.
Perhaps their memories are no more, perhaps they live in the past, or a reality different to our own, but what have not left are the emotions they attached to moments in time. They are still who they were and remain as so. Though they may feel lost at times, and though they may feel as though they are surrounded by unfamiliarity, there are creative ways to shine a little light.
I was asked to give a short presentation as to why I volunteer in the chaplaincy…
my motivation… In my selflessness there is some selfishness. I give, as I too am in need.
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