Cultures other than the American system of caring for the elderly have provided evidence many behaviours and actions can be managed without drugs or "shelving" people in an institution.
Why aren't we cross applying findings in medicine and behavioural studies to benefit Dementia patients?
Touch. Many of our elderly go from day to day only experiencing the touch of another human being providing necessary medical procedures or daily life skill assistance.
I've seen more caring from the receptionists and cleaning/maintenance staff at Mom's SNC than I have from most of the CNA's, LPN's, the RN and the Adminisrtative Staff at the facility.
How long would a baby, infant or child survive and how greatly would they thrive if we denied this comforting human interaction?
Remember the children adopted from foreign countries who were isolated, denied human kindness/touch?
Most "interaction" at Mom's facility has a purpose -- analyzing and charting.
If someone doesn't want to participate in the group activities at Mom's center, it's entered on a chart.
One dog and one cat live at Mom's facility. The dog is older and very set in his ways. He used to take the elevator, go to various floors and "roam". Now, he lays around, has put on lots of weight and often moves away when people approach him -- or sleeps most of the time.
Occasionally a couple of dogs are brought in to "visit" residents and you can see the joy in the Resident's eyes and in their bodies.
Humans thrive using our senses. When they're deprived or eliminated, at any age, our body functions are greatly affected along with our brains. It changes our personality, our outlook, our behaviour.
Let's find more ways to give Seniors interaction with humans and pets. Let's stimulate their brains, their positive emotions and build healthier lives for all.