When a local woman moved into Aster Estates in Great Bend nearly three years ago, “she improved overnight,” said her daughter.
Since September is World Alzheimer’s Month, the daughter wants to share her family’s experience to raise awareness not only about Alzheimer’s but other types of dementia as well.
The woman’s mom is 90 years old and suffers from a form of dementia.
“Mom had been in an area swing-bed medical facility for more than 30 days,” the daughter recalled. “Mom went from there to Aster Estates and improved overnight. This was the hardest thing I have ever done but it wasn’t safe for mom to go home.”
Since Aster Estates wants to provide a homey atmosphere, virtually everything in her room is hers – things that mean something to her, such as furnishings and photos.
The daughter cited a number of reasons Aster Estates was the answer for her family. There is a lot of one-on-one interaction with the staff; visitors are welcome anytime; “meals are great”; and residents are free to go on outings.
“When mom moved into Aster Estates, she was encouraged to walk to the dinner table, and get in and out of her chair. Of course, there was help when she needed it but she quickly learned she could still do some things on her own. She was allowed to get better.”
Pam Lewis
Pam Lewis, registered nurse, owns Aster Estates, which is a home-plus residence at 155 NW 10 Ave., with a staff of nine, including certified nurse’s aides, certified medication aides and “one helper.”
Currently, there are six residents, four of whom have short-term memory loss, which is the most common symptom of dementia.
“When dementia is a factor, people can lose their basic skills very quickly,” Lewis emphasized. “When they come to us from other settings, they are often surprised they can still accomplish quite a bit.
“They can tend to their personal hygiene and get dressed. These activities are important for emotional well-being and eye-hand coordination. If it takes 30 minutes to get dressed, that is okay. We know this is not possible in a family home or other settings.”
Families become concerned about dementia when they notice laundry isn’t being done, there is not much food in the house, and their loved one is eating only snacks and cereal, Lewis outlined.
“If they grab a snack, they may get full but nutrition suffers. They don’t have as many reserves as they did when they were younger.”
Lewis noted a few other Aster Estates’ features: homecooked meals; transportation to appointments when necessary; outings are scheduled regularly, depending on residents’ likes and dislikes; and reading with one another and discussing the topics at the dinner table.
“One thing everyone seems to enjoy is watching Wheel of Fortune,” Lewis noted. “It helps with words and, because many are fans of the show, it brings back memories.”
Aster Estates is a completely remodeled 3,600-square-foot residence, located just outside Great Bend’s north city limits. There is a lot of space for indoor and outdoor activities.
Residents decide when they want private time and when they want social interaction.
For more information, contact Lewis by calling 620-617-4281.
Adrianna Estes and Micayla Ehler, certified nurse’s aides at Aster Estates, “have taken the initiative to learn as much as they can about dementia to better serve and understand our residents,” said Pam Lewis, RN and owner of the home-plus residence. “They have done quite a bit of research and want to share some basic information.”
• Approximately 1 in 9 people 65 and older have Alzheimer’s.
• There is no cure.
• A protein called amyloid builds up in the brain, forming harmful plaque.
• People with Alzheimer’s live an average of 4 to 8 years after diagnosis.
• People with mild cognitive impairment are at greater risk for Alzheimer’s.
• Alzheimer’s is ultimately fatal; a half million people die each year.
• Alzheimer’s is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
• Current Alzheimer’s drugs may slow the relentless progression of the disease.
• The cost of Alzheimer’s care runs into the billions of dollars.
• Alzheimer’s can start years before symptoms appear.
