I had many elderly patients in medical school residency and in my private practice of 35 years. As years when by, my patients became older themselves, and themes of care for the elderly, which also occurred with my care for my mother and father. There were more patients with heart issues, cancer's across the board, kidney problem's and a host of geriatric conditions. My father's life was pedal to the metal for 85 years, and then a three year departure. My mother entered noticeable dementia 15 years before she would depart, spending the last 7 years in a memory unit. I would visit her there on a weekly basis, even though she no longer remembered who I was.
I began to know her fellow unit friends, and learned a thing or two about both dementia and Alzheimer's.
A few of the resident's had regular family visits but for many this was rare. My sister struggled mightily with mom not recognizing her, or maintaining best friend relationship. I understand why people might not be inclined to go out to a home of a lot of old, impaired residents. With regular turnover of residents, some would come in who were not stable and their screams and behavior was also something, not for the timid.
The one thing I found that was universally relevant and enjoyed was simple and familiar music. They might not talk, bur a few word a day, but they will join in and sing along with Swing Low, Do Lord or a host of other long familiar melodies and words. The one remaining muse for those of advances memory decline.
Today's podcast includes Swing Low and Hallelujah.
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