Ethnography Summary
Mark interviewed Roger, the Executive Director from Morningside Memory Care Center, about his experiences working there and his insights into the lives of elderly people with dementia and Alzheimer’s and the care they require.
Date: 3/6/17
Type: Interview
Location: Morningside Memory Care Center
Team participants: Mark Egan
User: Roger Garmendia
User Characteristics: “Passionate Professional“
Male, Age 33
Position: Executive Director (immediate supervisor on site)
From: Honduras
Has worked at Morningside for 10 years.
What is this person about – what drives him/her?
- Roger is motivated by his late grandmother who suffered from dementia. He understands the difficulties that the disease places on the family and wants to be a trustworthy person that people can bring their family members to.
Memorable quote from interview: “Everybody knows someone with a horrible experience at a Nursing Home. I need to gain people’s trust so they know we will take good care of their family member.”
Top 3 Learnings:
- People with dementia understand that something is wrong but can’t fully understand it and are therefore uncomfortable with it. They thrive on routines and rely on the structure they provide.
- Music provides a therapeutic way to recall past memories.
- Learned of the intricacies and many necessary considerations in considering and selecting a nursing home for a family member.
Key Insight
- Reading, puzzles/games, socialization, etc. are incredibly important for maintaining and improving mental sharpness.
ACTIVITIES:
- Runs daily operations at Morningside
ENVIRONMENT:
- Morningside Memory Care Center
- Home
INTERACTIONS:
- Interacts with residents
- Interacts with nurses
- Organizes different aspects of Morningside
OBJECTS:
- Office
- Security system at Morningside
USERS:
- Family
- Nurses
- Residents
- Administrators of other facilities
- Families of residents
- Other staff members