The Villages - November 2019 - 52

DEBUNKING
Q:
MEMORY LOSS MYTHS
COMPILED BY RICA KEENUM

Q & A WITH
CORPORATE
TRAINER,
JULIE
FERNANDEZ
Twenty-five years ago, Julie Fernandez moved to Florida
and discovered two things she didn't know existed: assisted
living and her passion for helping seniors. An accounting
auditor turned executive director turned health services
administrator, Fernandez forged a career path as an
advocate for those with memory loss. "I found there was a
deficit with organizations spending money on additional
training for their staff," she said. "I began my push to get as
many people as possible trained to properly care for those
with brain failure." Fernandez now serves as director of
Team Development and Training for Sonata Senior Living.

Last year, you gave a presentation to pet
therapy handlers at SeaBreeze Recreation
Center. Tell us what points you covered and why it's
important for volunteers or others serving memory
care patients to have this training.
After observing some challenges among the pet
therapy handlers, I stepped in and asked if I could help.
I could see frustration on the part of the pet owners
when the residents seemed to ignore the animals as well
as hesitation and even fear when the residents reacted
in what seemed like an aggressive manner toward the
animals. We talked about the significant vision changes
that brain failure causes as well as changes in verbal
communication. Both of these changes in those with
brain failure were the primary reasons residents ignored
the animals - handlers came toward the resident too low
to the ground and the resident didn't even know they were
there. The declining language skills meant the residents
couldn't process the questions pet owners were asking,
and couldn't always respond in what we think is a normal
response time. Pet owners would give up and move on and
the resident would react negatively. Being able to show
people how brain failure changed the way the residents
could interact helped to make therapy visits more pleasant
and meaningful.

52
52

NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER2019
2019

Many people believe the terms Alzheimer's
and dementia are interchangeable. Can you
explain the difference?
Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. Dementia is the umbrella term for cognitive failure with over 100 different diagnosable types. Alzheimer's is the No. 1 form of dementia
in that it affects the greatest number of people. A person
can be diagnosed with multiple forms of dementia.

What advice would you give caregivers
or individuals experiencing dementia or
Alzheimer's disease?
Don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask for help. One in
three people is dealing with Alzheimer's in some way and
can provide support, guidance and knowledge. You just
have to ask.

What are some myths you'd like to dispel about
cognitive diseases?
The myths that bother me the most are: "Mom isn't
the same person she used to be." Yes, she is - she's
just different. Learn to embrace the different. Because
Alzheimer's is a progressive and terminal disease, people
shouldn't try to force someone to "remember when" or
argue that, "I've already told you," or question whether
the person is being resistant or aggressive on purpose to get
attention. We have to understand this is brain failure. The
person's brain is failing, and there is no cure.

Any advice about caregiving?
Caregivers should understand they need help, and
they'll never be able to force someone with brain failure to
remember.

How can a loved one get the most out of his
or her time with an individual suffering with
memory loss?
Be prepared - every day will be different, even times of
day will be different. The person they see in the morning
at breakfast will not be the same person at dinner. Being
flexible with schedules as well as food and clothing likes and
dislikes is important. Creating a safe and calm environment
will help to eliminate stress. Music is a great way to improve
compliance with care, meal times, etc. Figure out what
genre your loved one responds to at different times of day.
Most importantly, ask for help. Use respite and day-stay
services at local memory care communities. Eliminate
the guilt.

The Villages - November 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - November 2019