Caregivers learn how to treat dementia patients
EDMOND — Home caregivers and staff members at Touchmark at Coffee Creek retirement center were given tips recently on how to be a friend to Alzheimer’s disease patients.
David Troxel, a published author on the subject, spent two days at Touchmark last week, talking about the challenges of dementia and offering practical tips for patient care.
Debra DeBartelo, of Edmond, said she was seeking help caring for two older relatives in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Dealing with the unknown is probably the hardest part for me,” DeBartelo said. “I need to know what is in store later on.”
It’s of particular importance to her, she said, because her relatives don’t have children.
During an afternoon session, Troxel estimated 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
“That could grow to 16 million in 20 years,” he told the 40 people in attendance.
Troxel, co-author of the new book “The Best Friend’s Approach to Dementia Care,” urged caregivers to be accepting of people who have the disease.
“Please agree with Mom and say ‘Yes, President Eisenhower is doing a great job and I like Ike also,’ rather than challenge them that President Eisenhower has been dead for years,” Troxel said.
He said Alzheimer’s patients can say things that are offensive. He urged caregivers to ignore that and make the person feel important.
Troxel estimated that more than 150 people heard his presentation over the two-day span.
“The public is hungry for information on how to care for a family member,” he said. He estimated one in three American families will have to deal with the situation.
Sylvia Slaughter is a certified nurse assistant at Touchmark and has helped Memory Care residents for the past six years. She said she doesn’t regret a second of her service.
Slaughter said she is devoted to her work because if the shoe were on the other foot, she would want the same kind of care.
“You have to treat them with love and dignity,” she said. “This is very gratifying for me.”
Slaughter said she becomes close with patients under her care.
“These are my friends and family,” she said.
She said she attends memorial services when her patients die.
Troxel is hoping the science world experiences breakthrough research.
“Maybe by this time next year I’ll be able to report something positive,” he said.
He said Alzheimer’s research funding is one of the few areas in Washington that draws heavy bipartisan support.