By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Dowagiac Daily News
A routine, simple and consistent, can help someone who is experiencing the confusion which comes from Alzheimer's.
For those who are responsible for the care of someone with Alzheimer's, protecting them and keeping them safe is important.
Dowagiac Nursing Home has just opened up a section which had been closed for eight years.
Now bright with new paint and fixtures, the 11 rooms in a secure wing can house 22 residents.
Two rooms are a bit larger with a private bath.
Already 10 men and women are experiencing the special care given by the increased staff in the Alzheimer's unit. Normally there is one staff for eight, but here there is one to every five residents.
The residents eat at a table in the lunch and activity room with their helpers. "We give them one course at a time," said Carmelo "Mel" Scalzi, facility administrator. "It helps as they get confused."
The week's schedule, posted on a large board, is the same every week, also to help them learn a routine. Sunday is Sabbath Day with hymns and other activities. Monday is their personal day and other days are for baking, crafts, fun and games, with Saturday being movie night.
Scalzi has been at the Dowagiac Nursing Home since his company, Red Oak Healthcare Management, took over last October.
In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, they accept private pay and private insurance.
The nearest facility with a secure unit is in Holland, he added. Should the need arise, there is an adjoining hall which could increase the capacity by 17 rooms.
Marti Carmean has been with the home 14 years. She and other staff members helped with the painting and redecorating.
A room where families can visit Carmean did with a birdhouse theme. "They recognize it," she added.
Staff bring in dogs and they have a resident cat and "lots of birds," she said.
Most also have a piece of furniture from their homes, such as a lounge chair. Teddy bears are really popular on their beds.
The home, at 610 Uneta Street in Dowagiac has been serving Cass County for over 30 years, also has an on-site beauty/barber shop. They offer rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. Hospice and comfort care are also available.
For more information or to arrange a tour, call 269/782-3471.