Living Through Windows... Alzheimer's Disease Series

By Mike Bockoven
michael.bockoven@theindependent.com

Opening the Doors

"If someone comes in here, I'd hope they would see a caring environment, not something that scares them. I hope they'd see people who need help, getting help." -- Vicki Brooks, registered nurse on Third Phillips

The first time Jessica Whelan walked through the doors of Third Phillips, she almost didn't do it. She'd heard stories that scared her, but she ended up pushing the circular green button, hearing a buzz and walking in.

"I was terrified," she said. "I had heard all sorts of stories about how they get violent and other physical stuff. I almost didn't come back, but since then, I have found these are just people like anyone else. I think it's great once I got comfortable."

That initial walk to the big white door separating Third Phillips from the rest of the world can be daunting to anyone who isn't sure what to expect.

During orientation for families or new employees, Luther said, she touches on a number of things that don't usually happen, such as streaking or violent outbursts, to prepare people in case it does. That being said, most people who make it through the door that first time end up coming back.

"A lot of people are scared, and that's fine," Luther said. "We need to let people know what to expect. Most people really like it when they get down here. They make a connection."

For the past few years, one of the best ways Third Phillips has been spreading the word and smashing misconceptions about Alzheimer's disease is through a class at Northwest High School.

Once a semester, students in a civics class are given a tour of the entire home, including Third Phillips. Bill Bombeck, who teaches the class, inherited the idea from another teacher who had a loved one who lived on the ward.

Bombeck said what he usually finds interesting is that at least two students every year are really moved by the trip. Often, they come back to volunteer, but everyone talks about the trip to Third Phillips afterward.

"There's usually a little hesitance, but the kids really do enjoy this part," Bombeck said. "Some kids really take to it. They really get involved with the programs. I think they get a better idea of what they're dealing with when they're done."

Luther works to prepare the students from the trip in a number of ways, including talking about stages of Alzheimer's, the nature of the ward and explanations about what they might see. It's something she enjoys doing because she knows how interested some of the students will be when they get up to the ward.

"I give them more than maybe they need, but they always do pretty well," she said. "Every year we've got one or two kids who just don't want to go up there, but once they've gone they do fine. Some of them find out what they thought was wrong."

Windows :: Third Floor Phillips :: A Typical Day in an Atypical Place
The Caregivers :: The Members :: The Families :: The Need
Opening the Doors :: Seeing Through Windows