Since Pam Lewis is in a position to notice what is important in the daily lives of people with some form of dementia, she wanted to share information with the community during September, which is World Alzheimer’s Month.

Lewis, registered nurse, owns and operates Aster Estates, a home-plus residence at 155 NW 10th Ave., just north of the Great Bend city limits.

In addition to Lewis, the staff includes eight others who have credentials as certified nurse’s aides and/or certified medication aides.

“Currently, four of our six residents have Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia,” Lewis said. “But thanks to the size of our staff, we are able to offer a lot of one-to-one care every day.

“For example, we give our residents time to perform their daily activities, such as personal hygiene tasks and getting dressed without rushing them. This is important because when you take away opportunities to perform these tasks, they lose the ability to do so.”

Because proper nutrition is also crucial for those with dementia, Aster Estates offers three home-cooked meals a day, along with favorite snacks. Residents, who often suggest recipes, are free to let the staff know about their likes and dislikes.

“Meal times at the dining-room table are important parts of any day,” Lewis commented. “Nutritional meals improve their overall health.

“Equally important, we have lots of discussions at meal time about whatever they want to talk about. When we want more information on a topic, I Google the subject matter so that the conversation can continue.”

Lewis also noted that “we give people the discretion to make their own decisions about when they want private time and when they want social interaction.”

Advice for families

Anyone concerned about a family member who is showing signs of dementia should contact their healthcare provider right away, Lewis suggested.

Adult siblings may notice a loss of short-term memory, and/or a lack of proper nutrition and social interaction.

“Even if you prepare food for them, they may not eat it because it’s easier to grab a snack. This may be okay for a couple of days but in the long-term, it is extremely harmful.

“I know of one person who was giving her Friendship Meals away. This is why families should monitor what is in the refrigerator and on pantry shelves. Socializing also is crucial because engaging with people face-to-face helps us physically and mentally.”

The theme for this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month encourages families to act on their concerns by noting that “The Earlier You Know, the More You Can Do.”

“Diagnosis is key to determining the next steps to take,” Lewis commented. “There are care and support options available, some with medication and some without.

“It is so important to be in an environment that encourages social interaction, and offers puzzles and eye-hand coordination opportunities. These activities provide ways to exercise the brain.”

Lewis also mentioned that outside support can be important “so that a daughter can become a daughter again, and not the caretaker.”

Aster Estates is a 3,600-square-foot residence, with a capacity of seven residents. There is a lot of space for indoor and outdoor activities.

For more information, contact Lewis by calling 620-617-4281.