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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t make anyone less human. Or crazy.
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by tangles and plaques that build up in the brain and result in a loss of mental abilities and memory.
David Troxel gave a presentation on the “Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s care” at the Avamere assisted living and memory care facility in St. Helens July 31. Since 1997, Avamere has been successfully using this technique in all of its memory care facilities.
“No one likes to feel dumb,” Troxel said. “So why argue with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease?”
Troxel ought to know. He’s spent the last 25 years working in the long-term care and Alzheimer’s fields. He served as the executive director of the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association and is a past executive board member of the American Public Health Association. He has co-authored four books on Alzheimer’s disease.
Troxel knows Alzheimer’s disease from both the personal and professional sides. His mother has Alzheimer’s disease.
He says medical doctors, caregivers, family members, researchers and those with the disease all want a magic pill that will cure it. Unfortunately, new medications are proving to be elusive. The magic cure isn’t on the horizon.
“So what do we do?” he asked.
His answer is the “Best Friends Approach.” This is a person-centered creative program.
“There is a lot we can do to create a joyful environment to lift up the person with Alzheimer’s disease,” Troxel said.
He says Best Friends caregivers have the knack — the art of doing difficult things with ease or clever tricks and strategies.
When Dad or Mom insists that you didn’t come to see them yesterday, Troxel recommends an apology, even if you were there.
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