For Linda Ross, putting her mother in an assisted living home was tough, but it opened the door to a new career with senior citizens.

“Being my mother’s caregiver inspired me to go into the field of aging adults,” Ross said, “Visiting the center, I realized how much I enjoyed older people.”

Currently, Ross is the Interim Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association in Dallas.  She is responsible for providing families with information and assistance in caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Supervising people with dementia is very specific,” Ross said.  “Training is needed in all senior centers.  With the number of baby boomers coming into their senior years, the need is going to be critical.”

Ross recommends families of Alzheimer’s patients pay careful attention to the care centers they select.  Based on her professional and personal experience, she suggests:
 
1. Look for a center where all staff is trained to deal with dementia patients. Ask about their training.  It is critical for safety.
2. Read any state evaluations to see if there are issues of mishandling.
3. Talk to families of other patients to find out how their loved ones have been treated.
4. Visit the center at different times of the day and on different days of the week.
5. Look for warning signs, like bugs, bad smells, or call buttons going off without any response.

“Use all your senses to gather information about the quality of a place,” Ross said.  "People don’t always trust their instincts when they should.” Hopefully, families will find the best situation for their loved ones.  And who knows?  Maybe the experience will inspire more people, like Linda Ross, to enter the rewarding field of aging adults.

Interview and article by Amy Dee Stephens

The Alzheimer's Association of Dallas provides programs and services to over 30 counties in the North and East Texas area. To learn more about this and other resources for Alzheimer's care, visit www.alz.org/greaterdallas