Anne Ellet, with Memory Care Support,  is a Nurse Practitioner that specializes in Dementia Care. She has seen a wide variety of care facilities that do not allow for patients to express their individual selves and their quality of health is reduced because of it. Simple things like allowing a person to go outside to eat can make a big difference in their quality of life, yet facilities are too afraid to take chances. Ann describes her work with memory care and how we can develop better systems to let those who suffer from dementia prosper in their living environment.

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] What is memory care?

[5:35] Unfortunately, it’s become acceptable for patients to sit in wheelchairs inside the house all day because it means they won’t get hurt. However, their quality of life suffers greatly.

[9:40] People fall inside the house all the time, that shouldn’t be the reason why you limit everybody from going outside.

[13:00] The elderly who suffer from dementia are very powerless people and it’s become the standard of care to lock them away and isolate them.

[15:15] There is also a lot of shame and embarrassment for the children when it comes to taking a parent outside with dementia.

[19:20] Find a support group, whether in person or online, to help you through the tough days.

[21:05] How do you honor the person as they go through dementia?

[24:25] What are the costs of living in a greenhouse home?

[27:10] Assisted living facilities spend money on extravagant things that even the residents aren’t allowed to use..yet they’re the ones paying for it. What’s the point of that?

[30:15] People who are suffering from dementia are also denied medical treatments they should have due to doctor biases.

[32:30] How can more people have access to better memory care?

[38:25] Where is the right balance between keeping your parent safe and keeping them well stimulated?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Memory Care Support, LLC

The Working Daughter book