Dr. Al Power, ChangingAging Contributor

Thoughts on the Passing of the “Waco Kid”

August 31, 2016 | Dr. Al Power, ChangingAging Contributor

Even without knowing all of the reasoning behind Gene Wilder’s decision to keep his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease a secret, one can infer from his family’s statement that stigma was a big factor.

The Hidden Restraint - Part 3 - ChangingAging.org

The Hidden Restraint – Part 3 – Unlocked Doors

August 22, 2016 | Dr. Al Power, ChangingAging Contributor

Walking (indoors and outdoors) is something we all do freely, every day, without even thinking about it. Moving away from “lock-down” memory care for people living with dementia not only helps alleviate distress, but also affirms and enables everyone’s basic human right to be able to move freely.

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost - Quote Image - ChangingAging

The Hidden Restraint – Part 2 – Living Environment

August 10, 2016 | Dr. Al Power, ChangingAging Contributor

Recently, I posted a provocative argument for considering locked doors as physical restraints. I have received many comments about the post; and as promised, I am following up with a second installment (of three), in which I will give some guidelines for those who wish to take up the challenge.

The Hidden Restraint – Part 1 – Retraints

July 30, 2016 | Dr. Al Power, ChangingAging Contributor

The problem with “restraints” in long-term care is that in most cases the things we do to increase physical safety help us to feel better, but actually decrease the sense of security felt by the person. So it is with locked doors in memory care homes.