For several decades now, new residents have been welcomed into long-term care facilities with the understanding that it is essential to have an in-depth knowledge of each resident's illnesses, disabilities, and life situations; it is believed that this information is necessary to provide care and services tailored to their needs for support and adaptation, particularly with regard to communication, recognizing individuals, memory, orientation in time and space, and perception of danger.
Thus, since then, the personality, culture, and life history of residents have been considered. "Finally," some said. This was indeed a crucial change that helped, and still helps, to reduce challenging behaviors.
"But what else?" we ask ourselves today, as there is room for improvement, for going further.
From summary to anecdote
Indeed, including this personal data in a client's file is an excellent idea; it is essential to adapt how one interacts with people according to who they are, their habits, their fears, etc., because they are in their living environment. This helps to reduce challenging behaviors but also to make the person feel important, to strengthen their self-esteem, and to preserve their dignity.
However, the profile described by the family is often very brief and only outlines the broad strokes of the past: their origins, profession, beliefs, etc. But humans are much more complex, and their personality is often shaped by details and anecdotes. Not to mention all the adventures that children are unaware of!
It is therefore very interesting to delve deeper into a person's life history to discover more about their past. Reminiscence games and activities are very appropriate. As a bonus, it is generally very soothing and reassuring for seniors with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease to delve back into the past. And, since they are no exception to the rule that everyone's favorite subject is themselves, they will probably be very inclined to participate in the discussion. Non-verbal individuals should not be excluded, as they can share in their own way, depending on the activities offered. You, like the other residents, will then have the opportunity to discover who these people you interact with every day are.
Stay open-minded
Moreover, just because a person has never done something doesn't mean it's not something they might enjoy. Our seniors did not live in today's leisure society, and their daily lives were generally filled with tasks and obligations. So, nothing prevents you from offering them activities that are outside their habits, and this in no way contradicts the idea of preserving their identity and not confronting them.
In fact, one should not presume someone's past to define them today. People change and evolve; old age and illness sometimes bring surprising changes in interests and desires. Not to mention inhibitions that fall away, accompanied by the fear of being judged and the pressure to conform to a model.
Indeed, just because a man spent his life working hard, with machinery and tractors, doesn't mean he won't enjoy painting, with a tiny brush, a work full of detail and finesse. Similarly, a woman who always took care of her family, cooking, knitting, and mending, might not prefer to wield a hammer, saw, and other tools that were inaccessible to her in her youth.
So, don't hesitate to suggest activities that may seem, at first glance, incongruous with the life story you have access to! Hidden talents, sometimes deeply buried, may be lurking in some of your residents.
