Dignity

One of the most valued of human rights is dignity.  Dignity signifies that a person is valued and worthy of respect.  It can also mean the self respect we project to the world.  There is very little innate dignity in Alzheimer's.

Those plagued with dementia have lost much of what the rest of us call dignified behavior. Residents may walk out of their rooms naked or wearing only their diapers before staff can get them back into clothes.  Sometimes a resident will take off her clothes while watching TV or while waiting for dinner to be served.  Sometimes a resident will play with himself while sitting in the common area until staff can get him distracted or out of the room.

There is little dignity in incontinence and having to have someone change one's diaper.  There is little dignity in being next in line for a bath and having to be belted into a PVC pipe chair to be bathed.  There is little dignity in not being able to tell which plate or cup is yours and eating after everyone else.  There is little dignity in howling over and over because you have lost your mind, and you don't know that you are howling.

Yet, even in the midst of all of the undignified behaviors, there is dignity.  There is dignity in the kindness of an aide that says, "Let's go get your pajamas on if you don't want to wear clothes."  There is dignity in an aide saying, "Well, Mr. Smith, let's take you to the bathroom and help you get cleaned up."  There is dignity in the patience that is extended everyday to those whose behaviors are undignified. Despite the indignity of Alzheimer's, Mother and others are treated with great respect.  They are still valued and loved, and by the way they are treated, we preserve the dignity they cannot give themselves.