Chocolate may Soothe Anger in Alzheimer's

A Baby Doll or Chocolate may Soothe the Anger in Alzheimer’s for someone in the late Stages

At Beatitudes Nursing Home in Phoenix, AZ, they accepted a patient who was difficult and had been denied entrance to several other homes because of her poor attitude as she suffered the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the later stages.

–> She was full of anger <–

Beatitudes nursing home is different than the ordinary nursing home. Dementia and folks with Alzheimer’s at Beatitudes are allowed practically anything that brings comfort, even an alcoholic “nip at night,” said Tena Alonzo, director of research. “Whatever your vice is, we’re your folks,” she says.

Beatitude is following some of the most recent research about Alzheimer’s which suggests that creating a positive emotional experience lessens distress and behavior problems. More importantly, it works.

One angry, indifferent patient who was finally accepted at Beatitudes, had previously refused to eat, had hit staff members as well as other patients– but suddenly began to change.

She was given a baby doll, a move that seemed so jarring that a supervisor initially objected until she saw how calm Ms. Nance became when she rocked, caressed and fed her “baby.” Not eating in the later stages is a common symptom of Alzheimers but Ms. Nance finally agreed to eat after the doll “ate” several spoonfuls first.

Ms. Alonzo said in a New York Time article: “The state tried to cite us for having chocolate on the nursing chart. They were like, ‘It’s not a medication.’ Yes, it is. It’s better than Xanax.”

This article makes you stop and think; which would you prefer as a calming balm for your loved one–a baby doll and chocolate or a pill which offers little comfort more than sleep.

This wonderful care home also approved other techniques including:

–> food, scheduling, art, music and exercise to generate positive emotions; engaging patients in activities that salvage fragments of their skills; and helping caregivers be more accepting and competent.<–

All are good activities for folks with Alzheimer’s , easy and fun activities that most folks are familiar with. With this new attitude toward the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s dementia, it can’t help but make a friendlier and happier surroundings. Happy folks seldom have fits of anger.

Even recommendations for cosmetic changes such as to their rooms, buildings, and living quarters may affect their mood.

Comfort food does the same for the person with Alzheimer’s that it does for anyone else, improves mood because it sends the message: ‘it feels good, therefore I must be in a place where I’m loved.’

–>And–what more could we ask for our loved ones! <—

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Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Array Gift Basket s

If you’re sending a gift to a loved one in a nursing home or hospital, think–Comfort.

Bring their favorite Chocolate, or snack. Bring their favorite scent of cologne or after shave, a cologne that you know they wore before they entered the hospital or nursing home.

A hobby, favorite reading material. Remember folks with dementia love baby dolls and puppies. Put thought into your decision–And send a gift with love attached.

Fluffy Puppys that Bark Pretty Kitty Cats that Purr