LOVE

Stories from the Staff

V

MEMORIES

Being with the Alzheimer’s unit since its early beginnings, I have seen many veterans and families enter this unique unit’s doors with only families leaving. The compassion of the staff for both the men and their families is far beyond the “call of duty.” Staff sheds many tears along with the family when one of our own reaches his final destination and is now healthy once again.

Memories:

· “The Rat Pack”-a group of men who by themselves could do nothing but as a group were complete. They were all smokers and would go together to smoke or any other activities. It was a sad day when this little group became immobile and could no longer help each other.

· “Little and Big” two brothers who we affectionately called these nicknames. “Big” was a tall lean vet who needed much encouragement to eat. Weight just seemed to fall off him. “Little” was a short, rolly, polly vet who loved to eat. He would snatch food from anyone’s plate in a blink of an eye. It was a sad time when he became chair bound and not longer “steal” food from the other residents. The wives of both were such compassionate women who became family to all the veterans on the unit.

· The “Singer”-This veteran had such a beautiful voice and loved to sing especially hymns. He could make cold chills run up and down your spine when he sang some of those old gospel songs. Alzheimer’s evidentially took his ability to remember words. This was a sad day for both staff and the resident.

· The “Trucker”-This resident in his 90’s was constantly concerned about his load of produce parked outside and ruining. How many of us have called security (his boss) to let this man talk to them ensuring him all was well.

· The “Government Man”-Many times while on the unit charting, he would come up and state “Take a memo”. Immediately I’d grab a piece of paper and start taking his memo. Often he would inquire “Which car are we taking today?”

· The “Green Beret”-Have you ever been around one of these when he is in combat mode? It can be quite scary especially when he has dementia. Halls were cleared many times until he could be approached.

· The “Prisoner of War”-This man broke my heart. As dementia progressed, he marched to the beat of a different drum. He burned so many calories marching on the unit hour after hour.

· The “Tailor” –This rather portly but very distinguished man came onto the unit with suits because that is all he ever wore. As dementia progressed, the suits went by the wayside but we all remember this very dapper little man.

· The “Lady’s Man”-Two residents come to mind here. One vet would always give you a compliment even if you looked your worst. Another vet, who was no longer able to speak, would move his eyebrows, give a big grin and his big blue eyes would just sparkle when spoken to.

· The “Nursery Rhyme Man”-This vet could recite nursery rhymes of all sorts. Before dementia gained tight control him, he walked all over the facility, keeping everyone entertained. Now he no longer speaks.

Many other residents of this unit leave trails of memories through my life and heart. Many would say, I wouldn’t like to work on a dementia/Alzheimer’s unit. It is so rewarding to see how just small things can make their day. You may laugh with them and cry with them, but these old soldiers are very special people who leave special memories in the corners of your heart.