Essay Example on Ruby: A Neighbor Who Changed My Life

Years ago, I lived next to Ruby, an immigrant lady in her early 50s who changed my life in entirety. For some reason, my neighbor was always disoriented. She occasionally left her stove on, forgot to pay bills, got lost on her way to the local grocery store, and she even forgot to step out of the elevator on getting to her floor. On one occasion, I had stopped at the local store for supplies when the altercation between the guards and another lady caught my attention. I found out from people complaining in the queue that the lady had forgotten the authorization pin to her credit card. Taking a closer look, I recognized the lady was Ruby, my ever-confused neighbor, so I offered to foot the bill and explained that it was not the first time Ruby got like that. At the parking area, Ruby could not figure out where she’d parked her car, so we drove home in mine. The bottom line, these were indicators of cognitive impairment, so I recommended medical evaluation for memory loss.

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After a series of neurological examinations and specialized memory tests, Ruby was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). I was among the few individuals who were interviewed as part of the evaluation, as it is usually essential to hear from those in close contact with the patient. The assessment was comprehensive. It was necessary to seek a thorough medical assessment reviewing both the mental and physical aspects of health. Ruby’s diagnosis was a shock considering her age thus she needed a reliable support system, and luckily, I had just registered for community work in caregiving programs

Whether a stay-at-home caregiver or a senior health care professional, it’s essential to approach the role with some knowledge. The first step towards providing quality care for Ruby was to educate ourselves about the condition. Rubi and I talked to social service staff, doctors, and patients who had undergone similar encounters. Available information entails the stages of AD, care needed at different stages, and other helpful resources such as intervention programs. Learning more about the condition allowed us to develop the appropriate attitude and to develop a sense of control as a care partner. The more I learned about AD, the easier it became to take on my caregiving roles.

For patients with memory loss, familiarity through a routine is crucial. Creating a daily routine with Ruby was rewarding for both of us. Even though the method was not necessarily set in stone, it brought some sense of consistency, which is vital. I tried to instill a sense of coherence by scheduling for activities such as mealtimes, bedtime, waking up, leisure, etc. Ruby help me draw up a timetable that was convenient for both of us, and this was immensely helpful. Another way I established the sense of routine was setting expectations, even if not directs ones. For example, Ruby would associate raising blinds to morning activities and slow music to bedtime. This routine laid a base for stronger rapport between us as Ruby gradually became comfortable around me. Sticking to an everyday routine helped Ruby familiarize herself with her surroundings; thus, she grew less confused and frustrated.

Memory loss is a primary symptom of AD, hence presenting a variety of safety concerns that ought to be addressed. Ruby often left her door open, or her stove on, so ensuring her surroundings were both comfortable and safe was indispensable. I had Ruby registered to the Safe Return program and even notified the local police about her tendency to wander off and get lost. Some safety precautions I took at Ruby’s residence include, proper labeling of medications, padding furniture corners, turning the boiler to low heat, installing safety locks, switching her shoes for comfortable, sturdy ones, among others. These measures ensure the patient does not harm themselves due to cognitive dysfunction.

A crucial aspect of caregiving is physical wellness, which entails nutrition and exercise. Since creating a routine is imperative to establish familiarity, it can be useful in incorporating some physically engaging activity in the schedule. Physical activity reduces stress, improves sleep, alertness, and boosts energy levels. Often, AD patients fall into poor eating patterns such as skipping meals, eating too little, or too much, among others. A patient’s physical and mental wellbeing are dependent on their nutrition, so a caregiver ought to ensure they stay well-fed and hydrated. Some of the ways to take care of patients include scheduling meal times, choosing easy-to-chew food, serving more substantial portions at breakfast, scheduling meals at the same time every day, offering finger foods, presenting food colorfully, etc. Nutrition is essential for physical health, which is intertwined with mental health. Taking care of a patient’s diet and physical wellness is inherent to their overall wellbeing.

Patients with memory loss need support making legal decisions and in all kinds of meaningful choices such as who becomes their caregiver. In Ruby’s case, there were a lot of legalities to consider. The most concerning issue in the legal context was that she was undocumented and had no family in the country. It was essential to seek legal documentation to ensure that Ruby’s will and decisions would be executed irrespective of the progress of the disease. In this regard, as a caregiver, I helped Ruby find the legal assistance necessary to oversee any relevant legal procedures as required. This act is an essential aspect of caregiving as it prevents complications in the future in the event of a crisis or when the patient is significantly dysfunctional.

It was inevitable and vital that I sought help regarding this unfamiliar challenge, and I found support groups and health care professionals that were extensively helpful. Support programs provided a platform I could vent about my experiences as a caregiver in a setting of individuals who could relate to my situation. These programs also allowed me to hear about the approaches other caregivers were taking, as well as learn more about related resources. I could comfortably ask for their views or intervention during exceptionally challenging times. Joining a support group was immensely helpful because taking care of patients with memory loss can be tasking. Also, I was integral to providing medics with information about Ruby’s general progress. These relationships made me more suited for my role as a caregiver. Additionally, I occasionally talked to social workers and medical staff to gain more insight. These interventions allowed me to acknowledge and appreciate working as a team member in the delivery of appropriate medical care.

Following the diagnosis, there was a surge of feelings regarding Ruby’s condition. I was both guilty and empathetic. I was guilty of always being irritated at how slow or forgetful Ruby, especially with the realization that it was an issue of illness. After the diagnosis, I wanted to play a part in taking care of Ruby as part of a voluntary program, since Ruby was an immigrant living alone, and I stayed close. I had this overwhelming desire to lend a helping hand for these reasons. The whole experience was unlocked potential for growth and discovery. I learned about my shortcomings like short temperateness and impatience, and I also developed my problem-solving, interpersonal, and time management skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this experience revealed that all patients are unique; hence, every nursing approach or intervention must take into account this diversity. Memory-loss related conditions, such as AD or dementia, pose numerous challenges. Caregivers have the responsibility of helping patients deal with these challenges using the appropriate interventions. Altogether, it’s vital for caregivers to educate themselves about conditions and to strive to deliver holistic health care by paying attention to patients’ individual needs.