This Friday, the CNA who takes care of my husband in the VA dementia ward was awarded several awards for his expertise and committment to his charges. I had written a letter of commendation for him and the Unit Manager had entered our CNA as being outstanding for employee of the month in our local facility. HE then was invited to appear at a statewide function of professional caregivers where he spoke of providing quality of life for the Alzheimer resident as well as daily life activities and was presented with the award for excellence in caregiving. At this event, the chairman of our state Commission of Veterans affairs presented him the award of this months outstanding CNA.
My son and I were the speakers representing the families of the residents who benefited from this outstanding worker...The reason I am giving an acccount of the event was that I had an opportunity through this to bring to the forefront both formally and informally (discussions with the commission who allocates money for programs and the VA adminnistration) the subject of "quality of life as being as important as basic bodily care" of the Alzheimer reeident in a nursing home. Research for cure of and physical interventions is very important but I feel more attention should be directed toward making the many years someteimes spent in the NH or at home more content. My husband has lived 8 1/2 yrs with this disease and will probably live several more. Through music, art , field trips, visits from outside people to name a few events, he can at least have some enjoyable moments and not have to vegetate and languish in lack of stimultation.
Through our efforts, as advocatees for humane medicating, quality of life, bodily care, we can effect an improvement in the lives of our loved ones....And I think we should write letters of encouragement and commendations for outstanding care by professionsl caregivers. It is s omething all of us can do and it may be a catalyst for more sensitive quality of care for our loved ones.
Major kudos to you, carewife. Far too many people express only their dissatisfaction with service, and never bother to praise those who do a really good job. The latter is especially important for those who are doing the difficult and demanding job of caring for AD patients.
I agree with you about providing some enjoyable moments. There is a group of neighbors who have made me and my husband one of their projects. As a result at least once a month he has an outing of some sort. He looks forward to the outings. He enjoys them as well. They have made an important improvement in our lives. I get a bit of respite and he gets the opportunity to enjoy himself. Both of us got un-isolated.
carewife, I had my Dad in the VA dementia ward also and the level of care there was phenonminal. They took him on outings and field trips also. When he died suddenly from a heart attack, his CNA was so distraught that she was sent home and she called me the next day to describe his last hours to me. I applaud the VA for their foresight in getting these units up and running long before the private sector did, and for being so selective for the staff they hire there. When the time comes, I hope they will have a bed for my DH as well.
Shellseeker50: Thank you for your input and praise for the VA facilities. I too believe that the VA dementia wings plan and implement more quality activities than the private sector. It may be because they can get vollunteers more readily willing to work for the veterans and will perform activities such as music, chaperone field trips, teach art activities etc.
I would like to see the recreational dept. have more structured and planned activities for our residents so that they would have at least one quality of life activitity a day.
How did you find out about the VA dementia wards. My DH is a WW2 vet, on a disability pension. We are currently getting treatment for his service connected injury at the VA, and I have recently taken him to the VA for his dementia. I was not aware, however that dementia care was available at the VA.
Chris: Your best possible way to find the informatiion that you need for your husband's benefits and what is offered in your state Veterans Homws is to go to the following: New York Veterans Homes and follow the information there. You can also look up the specific home that is listed for your area, call them and they can give you the info you need. I see there are five homes in the state of New York.
I live in Missouri, ST. LOuis, and we have seven VA homes in Missouri. All seven of our homes have dermentia facilities within the home. Usually the home has a form that you fill out, and send in. You can talk to them about their procedures for enrolling your husband on the list and how long it is presently taking to be accepted. Before acceptance, they usually send out people from the home to interview you and to observe your husband/wife. This is when you want to place your loved one in the home. For other services, call your local veterans services and see what is available. I know one of our veterans facilities offers a set amount of respite that you can avail yourself of .
By the qualifications for veteran home placement, I am sure your husband would be high on the list. If I can help you in any other way, just contact me via Joan, our administrator and I will respond.