TOP
STORIES
Activity
Professionals and EPILEPSY IN SENIORS
By
David H. Jones, ADC, AD Ravenwood ALF
Most
of us have been in the Activity Profession long enough
to see small seizures, however, the trouble is, even
people in nursing sometimes have trouble recognizing
symptoms or small seizures.
According
to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, as many as 300,000
Americans over the age of sixty are affected by seizures.
This is the population we serve and enough for us to
take notice. People who develop epilepsy at this time
of life have many questions about causes, treatments,
and most of all how seizures affect their lives. Anyone
at any age can start having seizures. Seizures can best
be described as a brief electrical disturbance in your
brain. The cause can be a scar, a long ago injury, the
after affects of stroke, a growth or some other change
in the brain~ that is hard to pinpoint. There used to
be what was called Idiopathic Epilepsy, which meant
there was no evidence of scar tissue or any thing else
that would cause the seizure. Seisures are the third
most common disorder of the nervous system affecting
the elderly.
TIA's,
(Transit Ischemic Attacks) are sometimes confused for
seizures. According to Rodney D. Quinn M.D., a neurologist
at Ferrell Duncan Clinic for Strokes, TIA's are negative
neurological events. During a TIA there is not much
action and the person leans to one side. Seizures will
be more active. During a mild seizure which most of
us have seen, the person will seem to pick at their
clothes and give a blank stare.
Dr.
Quinn shared with me how we, as Activity Professionals,
can help clients and residents with seizure disorders
and other neurological problems. He suggested using
stimulation, exercise, and social activities.
STIMULATION
There are several games and activities that I would
suggest. Trivia and You Be the Judge are good for stimulating
the mind. To keep the mind active, Dr. Quinn offered
crossword puzzles, word search, reading and journaling
(these are excellent for independent and small group
activities). Playing card games such as Uno and Yatzee
can help you determine which residents may have hearing
or memory problems.
EXERCISE
From a Medical standpoint, exercise in moderation is
always good for everyone participating. Exercise can
be especially beneficial to someone with seizure disorders
because of the stimulation it provides. For residents
who like being outside, I suggest a walk around the
building, or a walk roll activity. Occasionally doctors
and therapist will suggest attending exercise classes
as part of therapy for some residents. These are all
activities that can be good for you as well.
SOCIAL
ACTIVITIES
An event called the Red Hat Club went over very well
at Ravenwood ALF. The ladies who participated sponsored
several more events for the rest of the facility and
included family members and staff. The holidays always
provide for such social activities as parties, dances
and small get-togethers. Additional events include ice
cream socials, current events hour, movies and Sunday
worship. Social activities give residents the opportunity
to interact with and enjoy being each other's company.
HOW SHOULD I TREAT PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY?
Give
the person with epilepsy the same dignity and respect
you would want for yourself. Remember that often medication
may cause some to feel exhausted. Many are on strong
medication and sometimes they may not feel well. For
many years people with epilepsy were shunned. Epilepsy
is as common as heart disease and many other medical
problems.
For
more information call the Epilepsy Foundation of America
at the Epilepsy Answer place (1-800-332-1000). Contact
local hospitals for neurologist or support groups. NN
|
