At the Kersaudy residence, a new Alzheimer's unit was opened at the beginning of December 2024. It was set up with a reinforced care team which includes hospital workers, gerontology care assistants, as well as caregivers. Four residents are currently welcomed, and four others should join them soon.
Better patient care
This is the first time that the nursing home has offered this type of specialized support. “Before, we only offered the Adapted Activity and Care Center (Pasa) to people with Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Isabelle, one of the caregivers. Within the establishment, their care became more and more complicated: “It was time for this service to exist. »
Before, everything was closed. Now it's just protected.
With her colleague Carole, she followed training as a gerontology care assistant in order to support these residents. “It was important to create this unit to be able to welcome them for the day and have greater supervision,” continues Carole. Olivier, caregiver, also emphasizes that this new tool is more comfortable because it allows “to follow the rhythm of the patients, which is particular”.
“We adapt to the person”
The nine caregivers who make up the team add that the Alzheimer's units have evolved a lot. “Before, everything was closed. Now, it’s simply protected, says Tatiana. We need to find some little tricks, like doors with codes. We adapt to the person. » Moreover, after a few weeks, the team felt “better” among the residents.
Apart from Isabelle, Carole and Olivier, trained to support residents suffering from Alzheimer's disease, for the six other caregivers, it's a bit of an unknown. “But we know the people,” notes Tatiana. We have experience and we seek advice from our trained colleagues. Our first goal is that the resident always has a smile. »
Adapted premises in the future nursing home
Note that the next nursing home will be delivered around 2027. The care team at the Alzheimer's unit is impatiently awaiting this new equipment. “There will be two houses with thirteen and fourteen places,” says Isabelle. The premises and exteriors will be adapted to the situation. » The team worked together for the layout of the Alzheimer's unit in the future nursing home: “We participated in the meetings and gave our opinion. We're looking forward to it. »
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