Alzheimer’s Expert: “Emotional Relationship” With Caregivers Outlasts Recognition

When you have Alzheimer’s, even if you don’t remember who someone is, you may understand what the relationship is like, says Paul Raia, vice president of patient care for the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. That’s one reason a good caregiver–patient relationship is vital.

Raia makes his comments in an article at Boston.com (the website of The Boston Globe) that’s about a Green House treatment facility for Alzheimer’s—only the third in the nation. It offers enriching memory activities and a homelike environment:

But what’s really important is that staff and residents maintain an emotional relationship, [Raia] said, and in the cottage environment, it thrives.

“A person with Alzheimer’s in the early stages may recognize the caregiver,’’ Raia said. “But then at some point, the recognition is gone, but you still know it is a special, caring relationship.”

You can learn more about Green Houses here. There are other senior-care models that also emphasize personalized, homelike care. See what’s offered in your area here.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.