Week of April 27 - May 3, 2008

Graduation season has begun. All around the country parents and grandparents are marveling as the younger generation marks that milestone of college or high school graduation. The pomp and circumstance bring back memories for grandparents as they share the day with the next generation.

Family functions such as a graduation celebration are joyous occasions. Grandparents look forward to the day when they can witness a grandchild's college graduation. For most, they would not consider missing the ceremony and celebrations.

For some people, wanting to participate is one thing but making it a reality is a bigger task than expected. These are people who are diligently caring for a spouse with memory impairment. For them, making arrangements to attend special family functions takes special consideration.

For example, large crowds and a party atmosphere can be overwhelming to the person with memory impairment. The combination of a chaotic atmosphere of people moving about, many conversations going on at the same time, and loud music mixed with laughter is too much for a person with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia to process and comprehend.

Overstimulation can increase the person's confusion and often leads to behavioral symptoms like agitation and restlessness.

While the family may want to include the person with memory impairment in the celebration, it is important to carefully evaluate whether or not that is best for the person.

Making plans that are more Alzheimer's-friendly is likely a better choice for all involved. Rather than insisting that the person be included in the large event, make a point to include them in a quieter way.

Arrange for a friend to stay with the person while the rest of the family attends the graduation ceremony. On the way to the event, have the graduate stop by decked out in cap and gown for a brief visit with Grandpa.

If Grandpa is able to comprehend the significance of the event, he will likely react in a very positive way. If Grandpa does not understand what the fuss is all about, he will still enjoy the friendly visit from the young person whom he recognizes as someone who loves him.

For those who insist on bringing Grandpa to the graduation party, plan to have a friend or home health aide provide individualized companionship and assistance to Grandpa. Plan a shorter stay for Grandpa and include him before the large crowd of friends arrives.

Once the party gets under way, have the companion take Grandpa to his own home where his familiar environment and quiet accommodations are more conducive to his level of functioning. Being proactive goes a long way in reducing or preventing undesirable behavioral symptoms such as agitation.

More Information:

For additional information, contact the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center, a United Way of Lee County agency, at (239) 437-3007.

BY:

Dotty St. Amand

Ms. St. Amand is executive director of the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center in Fort Myers, which provides support groups and other services in the Lee County area. She also has been a nursing home administrator. She can be reached at 437-3007 or DUBINCTR@aol.com.

SOURCE:

Reprinted by permission of The News-Press, Fort Myers, FL.

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