Author: Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
If you are reading this, there is a significant chance that you are living your own version of “Still Alice” and have no need to view another’s journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. For those in the trenches, it may not be of any help or insight to see the progression of this debilitating disease. On the other hand, like me, you may be even more interested than the general public as you seek insight into this disease that is impacting your life. In 2004, 70,000 British Columbians were impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and this number will grow to more than 110,000 by the end of this year – 2015*.
In the movie, Julianne Moore plays “Alice”, a professor who lives out the Alzheimer’s journey of initial symptoms, diagnosis, shock, tenacity and decline. Based on the book of the same title by Lisa Genova, “Still Alice” does not mean that Alice isn’t moving. “Still” in this case refers to the idea that throughout her decline, Alice remains the unique individual that she was prior to the disease taking its toll on her life. She is “still” a mother, “still” a friend, “still” a world-renowned professor, “still” able to contribute, “still” loved by her family and “still” valued.
Like the recent Robert Duvall movie “The Judge”, Still Alice forges into areas of loss and grief that are rarely depicted on the big screen. For those whose lives are dedicated to the compassionate care of those who suffer from dementia, these scenes are familiar. Unable to control their bodies, both of these films tackle what may be the final area of privacy left in our culture – incontinence. Tenderly addressing the embarrassment, anxiety and humiliation of incontinence, both movies share the power of respectful care at a time of incredible vulnerability.
It also tackles the difficult ethical issue of taking one’s own life to avoid the full extent of suffering. Alice advises herself (through a short movie) how to end her life once she can no longer remember basic elements of it. These scenes are heart-wrenching as the Alice who tries to end her life is no longer able to assess the implications of following the instructions she set out for herself. The movie does not set out to promote any viewpoint on this. Rather, it seeks to show the painful decisions and level of hopelessness that an individual suffers when living with this disease.
Still Alice moves an audience to enter into their own fears about their own possible diagnosis of dementia. It moves an audience to see the full breadth of the dementia experience. The viewer sees the loss, the grief and the hopelessness. We also walk alongside the family through a depth of support that transforms each individual touched by Alice’s progressive disease.
Still Alice is willing to tackle the tough issues of family dynamics – a husband whose day-to-day life must go on, a daughter who is faced with difficult genetic decisions for her children and another daughter who is reconciled to her mother through thoughtful, compassionate, initiating care. At one point, Alice tells her daughter that she knows they are fighting but can’t remember why. She asks if the daughter will forgive her so that they can move on. It’s an unexpected fresh start for the two of them.
Should you go to see Still Alice? The acting is authentic. The story is difficult. The heart is moved. If you are prepared to take an honest look at the journey of Alzheimer’s (more than you are already living), then you should go. Don’t forget to bring your kleenex. You’ll need it.
*Workforce Analysis, Health Sector Workforce Division, Ministry of health, Dementia (age 45+ years), March 24, 2004, Project 2014_010 PHC
Should you go to see “Still Alice”?
/in Family and FriendsAuthor: Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
If you are reading this, there is a significant chance that you are living your own version of “Still Alice” and have no need to view another’s journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. For those in the trenches, it may not be of any help or insight to see the progression of this debilitating disease. On the other hand, like me, you may be even more interested than the general public as you seek insight into this disease that is impacting your life. In 2004, 70,000 British Columbians were impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and this number will grow to more than 110,000 by the end of this year – 2015*.
In the movie, Julianne Moore plays “Alice”, a professor who lives out the Alzheimer’s journey of initial symptoms, diagnosis, shock, tenacity and decline. Based on the book of the same title by Lisa Genova, “Still Alice” does not mean that Alice isn’t moving. “Still” in this case refers to the idea that throughout her decline, Alice remains the unique individual that she was prior to the disease taking its toll on her life. She is “still” a mother, “still” a friend, “still” a world-renowned professor, “still” able to contribute, “still” loved by her family and “still” valued.
Like the recent Robert Duvall movie “The Judge”, Still Alice forges into areas of loss and grief that are rarely depicted on the big screen. For those whose lives are dedicated to the compassionate care of those who suffer from dementia, these scenes are familiar. Unable to control their bodies, both of these films tackle what may be the final area of privacy left in our culture – incontinence. Tenderly addressing the embarrassment, anxiety and humiliation of incontinence, both movies share the power of respectful care at a time of incredible vulnerability.
It also tackles the difficult ethical issue of taking one’s own life to avoid the full extent of suffering. Alice advises herself (through a short movie) how to end her life once she can no longer remember basic elements of it. These scenes are heart-wrenching as the Alice who tries to end her life is no longer able to assess the implications of following the instructions she set out for herself. The movie does not set out to promote any viewpoint on this. Rather, it seeks to show the painful decisions and level of hopelessness that an individual suffers when living with this disease.
Still Alice moves an audience to enter into their own fears about their own possible diagnosis of dementia. It moves an audience to see the full breadth of the dementia experience. The viewer sees the loss, the grief and the hopelessness. We also walk alongside the family through a depth of support that transforms each individual touched by Alice’s progressive disease.
Still Alice is willing to tackle the tough issues of family dynamics – a husband whose day-to-day life must go on, a daughter who is faced with difficult genetic decisions for her children and another daughter who is reconciled to her mother through thoughtful, compassionate, initiating care. At one point, Alice tells her daughter that she knows they are fighting but can’t remember why. She asks if the daughter will forgive her so that they can move on. It’s an unexpected fresh start for the two of them.
Should you go to see Still Alice? The acting is authentic. The story is difficult. The heart is moved. If you are prepared to take an honest look at the journey of Alzheimer’s (more than you are already living), then you should go. Don’t forget to bring your kleenex. You’ll need it.
*Workforce Analysis, Health Sector Workforce Division, Ministry of health, Dementia (age 45+ years), March 24, 2004, Project 2014_010 PHC
Concert in Care – March 3, 2015
/in Family and FriendsYou are invited to join the Concert in Care at the Menno Hospital
Menno Hospital Chapel
Musician: Van Django
Van Django is a group of four talented musicians inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grapelli’s 1930’s gypsy jazz group “Quintet Of The Hot Club Of France”. Their arrangements and original compositions draw on a galaxy of musical styles while remaining true to the classic sound of the quintet. The lads are forging an original west coast sound, featuring virtuosic solos, bouncy rhythm, witty arrangements and an infectious sense of fun!
This event is made possible by Menno Place, BMO Financial Group and Health Arts Society
Concert in Care – February 3, 2015
/in Family and FriendsYou are invited to join the Concert in Care at the Menno Hospital
Menno Hospital Chapel
Musician: Jeffrey McFadden, guitar
Jeffrey’s concert engagements have taken him throughout Canada, the US and into Europe. He performs as a soloist, as a chamber musician, and is a participant in major guitar festivals and competitions. He is frequently heard on CBC radio and the public radio in the US, and has recorded numerous CDs for Naxos lable, the most recent disc is a volume of the music of the Paraguan guitarist and composer, Augustin Barrios. Jeffrey is on the faculty at the University of Toronto, and also teaches through masterclasses at many Canadian universities, including University of British Columbia.
This event made possible by Menno Place, BMO Financial Group and Health Arts Society
Parking on Primrose Street
/in Family and FriendsWe are pleased to let you know that we have an agreement with the city that enables resident’s visitors to park along the west side of Primrose Street.
When?
Beginning on February 15th, visitors will be able to receive a date/time stamped parking pass from Terrace East reception to place on the dash of their car.
Where can I get the pass?
You can get the pass from Terrace East reception.
Who is this for?
This is for the visitors of residents who live in Terrace East.
Where can I park?
Along the west side of Primrose Street between Marshall Road and Brundige Ave.
What is the small-print?
Don’t miss the Concert in Care – The Lady Larks! – February 2
/in Family and FriendsKick up your heels with The Lady Larks and their sweet swingin’ vintage harmonies! From striking arrangements of Tin Pan Alley composers to covers of The Andrews Sisters, Manhattan Transfer and The Swingle Singers, this young quartet has been impressing their audiences since they came together in late 2010.
Tuesday, February 2 at 10:30am in the Menno Hospital Chapel
No Admission cost.
Joy will find a way… weekly quotes on bringing joy
/in Family and FriendsHave you ever thought that Menno Place staff are a vessel through which others receive joy?
Giving joy-filled moments to our residents is one of the most satisfying aspects of working with people in need of support. We are a conduit through which joy flows. Each day, our staff make choices that create opportunities for joy. They open the door to smiles, delight, feeling valued and feeling loved.
Joy. It’s one of the greatest gifts we give to our residents – and its ours to give freely – in times of sorrow and times of delight. In 1974, Bruce Cockburn’s wrote a song – Joy Will Find A Way
Do you think joy will find a way?
This past week, our chaplains spoke at numerous funerals (please pray for our chaplains and interns as they journey alongside residents and families at life’s end). They share how deeply grateful the families are for the loving, skilled caring received by their loved one here at Menno Place.
As one family moved through transition into dementia with their mother, they shared their hesitancy about moving her from one unit to another – and yet, their mother was grateful in her new unit even as she slipped further into dementia. They thanked the staff for the care.
Another spoke of the professionalism and dedication of the staff. Their father received excellent care. They were grateful.
Another was supported through their deep friendships in the apartments. The friends were grieving.
Joy. It’s been making a way here at Menno Place since 1953.
It’s making it’s way today – through our staff, through our resident… and through YOU.
What a gift you are, what a gift you bring!
To follow the weekly JOY JUMP quotes, “Like” our Facebook page – Click Here
Benches that Honour and Remember – Celebrating a Life
/in Family and FriendsIn 2015, we launched the Celebrate Life Bench Donation Program. Benches are placed throughout the Menno Place campus with bronze plaques honouring loved ones.
The Celebrate Life Bench Donation Program has been extremely successful as residents and family members have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to honour a loved one in this way. The donation covers the cost of the bench and enables Menno Place to furnish our outdoor gardens with elder-safe furniture that will endure through the weather and over the years.
Would you like to dedicate a bench to someone you love? For details click here.
Family & Friends Support Network
/in Family and FriendsThursday, February 19th – 1:30 – 2:30 at the Menno Home Chapel – Click for Campus Map
Come and join a group of people who are supporting each other as they are involved and caring for a resident at the Home or Hospital.
Local and international examples of person centered care for dementia residents
/in Family and FriendsTake a look at some stories that share the experience of person centered care.
1. Czorny Alzheimer Center, Surrey, BC
CBC Story: Person-Centered Care – Getting it Right for Dementia Patients
CBC: Click to Listen – 21 minutes
The Province: Unique Care Facility Looks More Like a Rural Retreat
Vancouver Sun: Tragedy Creates Alzheimer Centre
2. Hogeweyk, Weesp, The Netherlands
CNN’s World’s Untold Stories: Dementia Village
Hogeweyk Website
De Hogeweyk: Wikipedia
Person-Centered Care – What does it mean?
/in Family and Friends, NewsPerson centered care is a philosophy of providing care for the elderly that puts the individual at the centre of their own care. In this philosophy the needs of those who care for the elder are considered as central to the care of each individual.
Person centered practice has five primary focuses in order to succeed:
1. Getting to know the resident as a person
This focuses on building a relationship between the caregivers and the resident. A person centered health professional knows and understands a resident beyond their diagnosis, medical needs and personal needs.
2. Sharing of power and responsibility
This focus is on respecting preferences. It includes treating residents and their caregivers as partners when setting goals, planning care and making decisions about care and treatments.
3. Accessibility and flexibility
Here, the focus is on meeting resident’s individual needs by being sensitive to values, preference and expressed needs. This focus gives the resident and their caregivers choice by giving them timely, complete and accurate information in a manner they can understand so they can make choices about their care.
4. Coordination and integration
This is about teamwork. It includes working together to minimize duplication. It involves working seamlessly behind the scenes to maximize the resident’s experiences and to provide them with a positive experience.
5. Environment
The physical, cultural and organizational environment allows staff to function in a person centered manner.