One way to gain perspective of dementia care is to hear directly from those who are on the frontline. We are grateful to hear from Althea, a young nurse working in geriatric care, who has dedicated herself to caring for patients living with dementia. Althea offers us an intimate look into her journey, where empathy and compassion play crucial roles in her daily responsibilities.
The Early Days of Nursing
Althea’s journey into nursing began at a young age. Her first shift in a geriatric care ward introduced her to the intricacies of working with persons living with dementia. Initially, she relied on textbook knowledge and theoretical approaches to nursing but soon realised that caring for persons living with dementia required more than protocols, it demanded a deep sense of heart, understanding, and dedication.
"There were moments where my patients would confuse me with someone else or forget their surroundings entirely...As a nurse, you’re supposed to manage their care and still show empathy, even when you’re physically drained."
In those early days, Althea faced situations she wasn’t prepared for. Persons living with dementia would ask for family members who were not present and could not remember their names or where they were. It was a daily challenge to face moments of confusion, frustration, and even anger from persons with dementia emotions. This ongoing emotional toll eventually led to a sense of emotional exhaustion which sometimes made her easily agitated. However, Althea pushed through keeping in mind each person had a unique story.
Finding that purpose was key in providing strength during gruelling hours. She would often bring up memories of her conversations with those under her care to motivate her when she was running empty.
As the days passed, she understood the complexities of dementia, both as a nurse and as a human being. She saw those under her care not just as individuals with a medical condition, but as people with rich histories and emotional needs. This shift in perspective made her more patient and compassionate in her care. She found that her compassion had a profound impact on them, making her job more meaningful.
Balancing Compassion and Burnout
As Althea continued in her role, she sometimes struggled to balance her professional responsibilities with her emotional well-being. She recalls how, despite thinking she was prepared for the demands of nursing she often felt drained after each shift. Burnout began to manifest as frustration and exhaustion set in, especially when managing people with such varying needs all at once.
The emotional toll intensified when she was stretched thin. Althea recalled handling as many as 7 to 10 cases a week, providing individualised care for those under her. She would sometimes find herself disassociated when working on tasks. The stress of managing so many cases while offering emotional support made the job feel overwhelming.
"Maintaining a positive attitude will give you innovative ways to overcome challenges’’
Althea also recognised that many of her patients were in similarly difficult emotional states, which heightened her sense of empathy. She noted that the more she interacted with those in her care, an understanding of their behavioural patterns and reasoning would become clearer. She also found caring for them easier after bonding. But as much as she cared for them, she knew her own mental and emotional health could not be neglected. Balancing her compassion for her patients with self-care was crucial to avoid falling into the pit of burnout.
Finding Strength in Self-Care and Kindness
While she was working in the ward, Althea found ways to cope. She soon learnt that prioritising oneself was imperative. One of her methods was establishing boundaries between work and personal life. This became essential to avoid burnout.
"It’s important to set boundaries to be the best for yourself and those in your care’
She began to take small steps, such as setting time limits on how late she would stay at work. She would also try her best to leave any emotional stress behind when she clocked out.
Taking the time for her own hobbies and small moments of respite allowed Althea to recharge. These moments were not only about physical rest but also about nourishing her emotional well-being. She would also play old-time games, like 5 stones or pick up sticks with her family, which she picked up from her time in the geriatric ward. She found her emotional cup being filled not just with her own hobbies but with the love from those under her care. These small but meaningful rituals helped her regain balance.
Story: Mrs. Lee- A Moment of Connection
One of Althea’s most memorable moments came with a patient Mrs. Lee, a woman in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Mrs. Lee would often confuse Althea with other people, like her granddaughter or a different nurse. One morning, Mrs. Lee was especially distressed, asking for her long-deceased sister, who she thought was there to pick her up for school. Althea, knowing that trying to correct her would only agitate her further, decided to move Mrs Lee beside her to wait at the nurse’s counter. Althea gently reassured her, telling her that she would stay with her until her sister arrived.
Mrs. Lee slowly began to calm down, and after some time, she allowed Althea to help her with her breakfast and medications. Mrs. Lee reached up and held her hand. She didn’t say much, but the quiet, heartfelt smile that crossed her face spoke volumes. In that moment, Althea knew that Mrs. Lee had found comfort in her presence, knowing her sister would not come to see her.
“It was a small moment, but in that instant, I realised that sometimes, all people need is presence and patience. Not fixing them, not correcting them, just being there.”
This moment gave Althea that extra push in rediscovering the meaning behind her work.
Nurses Who Make a Difference
Through it all, Althea’s passion for nursing remained unwavered. Her advice to other caregivers is simple but profound: practice patience and empathy, even on the hardest days.
Althea urges caregivers to remember that compassion and understanding are integral to caregiving, especially for those living with dementia. Her experience sheds light on personal challenges and emotional resilience needed in dementia care. Her journey reminds us of the importance of empathy and self-care for caregivers.
