Residents learn how to share their home, support others
Avalon Retirement Centre hosts Alzheimer Society education session
Friday February 26, 2010 -- Natalie Hamilton
Mary Harkies considers herself a friendly face at Avalon Retirement Centre in Orangeville.

The long-term care home resident says she naturally engages others and helps one of her co-residents who has dementia by reminding her of names when she forgets them.

Harkies found a recent education session about dementia by the local Alzheimer Society particularly useful.

Elaine Griffin, the education co-ordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County, made the presentation called Sharing Your Home. It was aimed at helping residents better understand the challenges of sharing their living space.

"It really hit the nail on the head," Harkies says.

Griffin focused on different coping strategies and provided suggestions for residents on how to support people who have dementia.

During the hour-long presentation, she touched on why residents who have dementia wander and what to do to redirect them.

Sometimes residents will wander into other's rooms. Instead of getting angry, Griffin said speaking in a gentle tone and helping them find their way is more effective, says Jennifer Gauthier, resident and family services co-ordinator for Avalon's long-term care centre.

"The residents really enjoyed it. It was something different," says Gauthier.

"Usually we have (the Alzheimer Society) in to educate staff. I wanted to educate residents in some way on that topic."

The event, which targeted the 137-bed home's residents who are cognitively alert, was a success, she says.

Harkies reiterates she found the event "very, very good" and helpful as she tries to support her co-residents.

"I do the best I can if they let me. I'm a great giver and I try to help people."

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