Recently retired from the California Department of Education, Andrew Laufer is writing a book about his life including periods as a butcher's helper, food service worker, construction laborer, animal research assistant, seasonal fire fighter, and janitor. In his youth, he hitch-hiked up and down the coast and out to Colorado numerous times providing context for hundreds of short stories.
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I Walk to End Alzheimer's
I Walk to End Alzheimer's
Hello Everyone:
It is that time of the year again when I make my only plea for help. I will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 3rd in Sacramento. Would you please take a moment and go to 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Sacramento, CA: Andrew Laufer | Walk to End Alzheimer's* where you can donate to the Alzheimer’s Association to help end this dreaded disease? You can also join my team, and I’d love it if you could join me on the walk. I'm on Team Edith. Edith is the mother of my dear friend who has set her career aside to care for her mom.
We have been making some headway to slow the progression of the disease thanks to donations over the years. There is still a lot of work to be done, requiring a lot of resources. I’m passionate about helping with this cause because of the work I did in facilities that specialized in working with patients who have Alzheimer’s. I have also personally known people, and their families, who have suffered with it.
If you are so inclined, read the story below of my experience working in an Alzheimer’s facility. While there is some humor to the story you will get a feel for how devastating the disease is. I’m $150 into my goal of reaching $1000. PLEASE HELP.
Thank you,
Andrew Laufer
*Editor's note: The linked web site may have a problem accepting some donations.
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ALZHEIMER’S FACILITY:
A tragic trip back to innocence. Age 35
As a Registered Dietitian, I had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings: acute care hospitals, convalescent hospitals, mental health facilities, weight loss clinics, and an Alzheimer’s facility. I was filling in for a friend on vacation and visited the facility a couple of times a week while she was gone.
It was a locked facility for advanced Alzheimer’s patients. Some of the patients were at the end stage of Alzheimer’s Disease and bedridden. Others walked freely in the corridors. One gentleman was dressed in professional attire: slacks, shirt, tie, sweater vest, and nice shoes. He walked into the nurse’s station where I was writing in a patient’s chart and went straight to the sink to wash his hands. I assumed he was a physician. I was surprised when one of the nurses said, “Dr. Smith, you know you are not allowed in the nurse’s station.” In a huff, and with some muttering, he stomped out of the nurse’s station down the hall to his room. He was a retired physician diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and had lost track of reality.
I was struck by how young some patients were and learned that early onset Alzheimer’s is increasing. One patient, a young woman about 40 paced by the nurse’s station. I was aware of her presence but didn’t pay much attention until she stood at the counter across from me. I was reviewing a patient’s chart when she crossed her arms on top of the tall countertop and stared at me. I looked up and said hello. She returned the greeting, then said, “I bet people just leave you alone”
I said that was true, for the most part, and we engaged in a brief conversation.
Then she said, “You know, you are really good looking.”
Surprised, I said thank you.
Then she said, “No, I mean it. You are as good looking as those guys on TV!” She was innocent and exuberant with her compliment. How nice for me.
Thanking her again, slightly embarrassed, I told her I needed to get back to work. Off she went, back to her wanderings in the hallway. So, I had to go to an Alzheimer’s facility to get the best compliment of my life. I hope I never forget it.
Although this was a sweet encounter, I recognize that Alzheimer’s Disease is truly tragic. The victims are normal, everyday folks who lose their identity along with their memory. Everything they know about themselves disappears, until, ultimately, they pass away. It is distressing for the patients, to a point, until they no longer realize there is a problem. The families, however, must work through their emotions as their loved one can no longer recognize them and they slowly fade away. Although the effects are catastrophic, family members can get help for their loved ones, and themselves, by reaching out to the Alzheimer’s Association in their area.
~ Andy Laufer
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