my job
hello hello, So my job is definitely the most interesting thing that I have ever done. I work in a memory care facility, so dementia and alzheimer's specialty care. Now, a lot of people don't know the difference between the two, or dont even know theres a difference to begin with. I like to say dementia is just getting old. When you think of old people, you think of them forgetting things, they can't understand what you're saying, going along with whatever you're asking, and getting frustrated at themselves and others for simple tasks. That's dementia, just getting old. Alzheimers on the other hand is an actual disease that deteriorates your brain, and then causes you to have dementia and other side effects. Either way, you're getting old. Now, this job requires so much patience. My own grandfather calls it senior infancy. Working at a facility like mine, you are essentially in a daycare with kids from ages 0-7 all mixed together. Thankfully, working with kids that age is what I want to do for the rest of my life so this is just further prep. But when working with these adults, you cannot help but to think about what they came from. A lot of the older adults in my life are going through dementia and alzheimers and I am so thankful that I get to learn about this stuff now. I get to see all the highs and lows of residents on a day to day basis and connect with their family, as well as help my own family through this experience as well. This stage of life is something I truly hope that I never get to. I mean, I hate embarrassing myself and being ridiculous on the best of days, let alone not being able to snap out of it. I always imagine my residents at their peak in life, and feel so sad for them that this came as such a devastating shock that they would need full time care for the rest of their life. As well as, some of the residents can still verbalize what they're thinking and live their old life, and they're stuck at the facility and that stresses them out to no end. I can almost imagine their whole minded self looking down on them and wondering what the hell happened? Dementia and alzheimers is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Losing your memory and independence is terrible, I cannot even imagine being old and not being able to drive myself anywhere, let alone not being able to go to the bathroom by myself anymore. While this job is extremely depressing, I still am forever grateful that I get to do it because it is teaching me so much. I get to support everyone in my life with my hands on knowledge, as well as reassurance that they are still living their life and are in good hands.