Dementia: A New Perspective
I recently read a book which made me consider the effects of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in a whole new light. ‘Still Alice’ compelled me to approach cases where these diseases are prevalent with a different. Although this book is a work of fiction, the author was able to convey what feels like a very real account of living with such a disease, and in particular how to cue oneself with environmental triggers to the proper behaviour in any given situation.
Now that I have become more attuned to this issue, the recent series run by the Globe and Mail including articles relating to many aspects of dementia caught my eye. One of the articles in the series addresses issues of boredom in circumstances where an individual suffers from dementia. Some nursing homes in Ontario have apparently adopted methods previously used by Montessori schools to accommodate the diverse needs of the residents. Such methods include engaging individuals at their own level of ability in the hopes that behavioural challenges disappear. The belief is that individuals with dementia suffer symptoms such as wandering, and repetitive questioning as a result of boredom, and these behaviours can be altered if the Montessori method is followed.
The series in the Globe and Mail also addresses the recent concern of banks relating to this issue. The article notes that the Toronto-based Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI), the agency responsible for resolving consumers’ disputes with most Canadian banks and investment firms, plans to create a national case registry that will flag complaints in which dementia may be a factor. This should alleviate some of the stress on those in the banking field in respect of their responsibility to confirm capacity. If a system is in place for financial institutions to regard capacity, it may assist the estate litigation field, as we assess which cases have potential success on the capacity front.
Despite the outcome of whether new methods are put in place to regulate banking institutions or nursing homes, dealing with families who have a loved one suffering from dementia isn’t always a cut and dry capacity issue, there are many issues at play.
Until Tomorrow,
Nadia Harasymowycz- Click here for more information on Nadia Harasymowycz.
Of interest: Many of us have nicknames we received as children; whether from your parents, your older brother who couldn’t same your name right, or a school yard bully who picked on you. For those of you who have grown into adulthood with a nickname you can’t shake, I’m sure you can relate to Charlie the Smoking Chimp. Charlie took up smoking after zoo patrons began offering him cigarettes through the fences at the South African zoo where he resided. Charlie died this week at the age of 52. His death appears to be caused by old age. Charlie’s cigarette habit was curbed only a few years ago when a video of him smoking began circulating on the internet. Despite his hard work kicking the habit, he couldn’t seem to drop the nickname. Only 7% of wild chimps live past the age of 40. Apparently Charlie was doing something right.
Note: In yesterday’s blog I discussed the issue of retirement home standards. Pleas for an emergency government investigation have been rejected. For the Toronto Star further report on this issue, see here.
