Link to article in Crookston Times
Guest Column by Deb Taylor
The day is seared into my memory – October 22, 2015. I was with my Mom at her doctor’s appointment when she was asked, “Who is with you today?” My mom looked at me and smiled, but couldn’t recall my name. Mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease eight years earlier, and I knew the day would come when she would no longer recall the names of those most dear to her. I understood the disease, but experiencing this new reality left me with palpable feelings of sadness and grief.
Mom has always ‘been there’ for me: loving me, encouraging me, always accepting me for the person I am. I decided long ago that I must now lovingly reciprocate and ‘be there’ for my Mom. I had to learn how to communicate with her differently. It took an abundance of patience and understanding because foremost was her comfort and dignity.
Challenges ahead
About one in three seniors will eventually face a degree of dementia. These older adults eventually become incapable of self-managing their daily routines. They need support with bathing and meal preparation. In time, as the memory fails, the degree of help needed only increases until constant skilled nursing care may be required.
As the number of Minnesota seniors increases, we need to find better and additional ways to support them, because many caregiving loved ones have little additional capacity to do more, as they juggle family and jobs with the caregiving duties.
In the news recently, we’ve read about companies that are developing small living units dubbed ‘Granny Pods.’ These small, handicapped-accessible units, can be placed on the residential property adjacent to a family member’s home. The proximity offers convenience to caregivers and senior, as well as a measure of security and enhanced well-being. These senior housing units are so new that many communities are evaluating this housing option and how residential zoning rules might need to be modified to accommodate them.
As the need for innovative care solutions grows, we need a community dialog about ways to Reimagine Aging to make life more dignified and comfortable for elders and their caregivers. Senior Community Services is planning such a dialog, an Independent Living Technology Conference on October 14 at the Minnetonka Senior Center. We’ll bring together elected officials, city staff, and community members to engage in a meaningful discussion on this topic of broad relevance for all Minnesota seniors and their families.
We’re planning this conference because the ‘Age Wave’ demands we continue to plan and act as Minnesota’s older adults population grows. Certainly progress is being made. We’re pleased to be part of the ACT on Alzheimer’s initiative to help communities become ‘Dementia-Friendly’ and better able to understand and respond to those with dementia – from emergency services to the retail world. This initiative is a great step forward.
Senior Community Services is pleased to have a leadership role in helping all Minnesotans Reimagine Aging in ways that are attainable and affordable for all families.
Deb Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services (www.seniorcommunity.org) and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their independence through free or low-cost services.
