RECOVERY ORIGINS BLOG (HCE619-SU17): Florida State Hospital by Liz Nitzel

The Florida State Hospital for the Insane in Chattahoochee, Florida was originally a military arsenal in the Seminole Wars then it became a state prison but in 1876 it became the State Hospital. The prison already had a history of abuse and it appears that the abuse and unlawful imprisonment continued throughout the next hundred years.

One famous patient, Emmett Foley, is depicted in the movie, “Chattahoochee,” based on the real life experience of a Korean War veteran who returns from war to realize that he cannot afford his family. He attempts to set up a situation to have the police murder him but he is captured and sent to Chattahoochee. Emmett endears horrific living conditions and beatings but soon he decides to document the treatment in the hospital and slip it out of the institution in a bible while his sister is visiting. This prompted an investigation and reforms.

In 2016, Chattahoochee was back in the news when budget cuts led to staff reductions and overcrowding. The Institutions in Florida received $100 million in budget cuts then started doubling up patients in rooms without regard for safety. On April 23, 2016, a 60 year old patient is stomped to death by his 19 year old roommate, this is following a similar incident in January of 2015.

Today the Florida State Hospital is depicted on its official website like a country club with beautiful fountains and happy people of diverse races walking down a perfectly manicured sidewalk. The mission statement reads: “Partners with Stakeholders to Promote Competency Restoration, and Personal Recovery and Resiliency through a Trauma Informed Approach.” The deaths began in the early days of the institution as depicted on a Facebook page: Florida State Hospital’s Lost and Forgotten. The more recent deaths caused by patient neglect, failure to follow safety protocol are still being revealed in newspapers and still protected by laws, Luis Santana, a 42 year old man had been given 5 strong antipsychotic medications then left in a bathtub to die.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Hospital

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/chattahoochee-1990

http://www.tampabay.com/news/floridas-mental-hospitals-are-still-violent-and-deadly-w-video/2295763

http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/mental-health/fsh

https://www.facebook.com/Florida-State-Hospitals-Lost-and-Forgotten-324351667756430/

Neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses associated with Short Term Memory Issues

Joe has many strengths as a person.  He is charming and friendly with a quick smile that accompanies his twinkling eyes.  He dresses sharp and always looks great.  He enjoys reading, movies, cats, and news events.

Joe can fit in at most events and few people know that he is struggling with short term memory loss and frontal lobe disengagement.

Joe blends in well because he has lots of supports in place.  Most people would not need all of his supports but a Universal Design can help everyone reach higher standards.

Lets take a look at the 3 learning networks of the brain that help us accomplish learning and how they can be supported to enhance learning and living opportunities.

Recognition Networks 

Recognition networks allow us to identify and understand information in parts and in complex patterns.

Strategic Networks

Strategic networks allow us to plan, execute, and monitor actions and skills.

Affective Networks

Affective networks allow us to feel connected in an emotionally important way to engage with our world.

These networks are in use all the time but some are keyed in more for certain tasks and at certain times. Every person uses these networks to learn and engage but each person processes information in a unique way.

A short term memory issue can be supported with tools that enhance the stronger network skills and reduce the weaknesses.

Joe has strengths in the recognition and affective networks.  He has a rich history of travel, reading, and educational enrichments.  He can recognize and attribute meaning to items that he connects to his past.  He enjoys museums and book stores.  His recognition and affective networks can be supported with historical frames of reference to aid new learning and to quantify with emotional significance.

Joe has a strength of dialogue regarding his strategic networks but weakness in action.  He can not independently begin or follow through on an action.  He can not dress or care for himself independently.  His clothes are laid out with picture cards to help him plan and execute dressing.

The UDL connection here is to engage learners with their strengths and support the weaker networks.  In Joe's case visual clues help him: daily planner with a verbal prompt.  He learns best with social engagement and visual reminders.  He can not use his tools independently with out an aide but the same supports could help an independent learner.


Network information was found in Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age by David H. Rose and Anne Meyer

A very special friendship

I have an amazing friend, who started out as a job.  I needed extra money and an acquaintance asked if I would help her care for her husband.  He had recently been diagnosed with alzheimer's disease.

She just needed a person to play some board games and offer some respite here and there.  Immediately, they became so much more to me and my family.  I am trying to write carefully not to disclose their identities but at the same time reveal my experience with short term memory problems.

Let's begin by the fact that "Joe" is much smarter than me, much better educated, much more experienced in life, and knows in depth accounts of U.S. and World History.  I revel in the joys of day to day life.  I'm not an intellect and tend to rely more on humor and fun than historical accuracies.  But here we are thrown together by need and adoring each other's company.

Our first day together, I brought a backgammon board.  Did I mention that I have issues?  I never remember how to set up a game!  Joe and I played two games of Backgammon which we were unable to stop because I set it up backwards and we were both very confused!  I was thinking that I might be a hindrance to a smart man with a brain disease.  However, we both laughed and moved on to Scrabble with much more success.

I remember trivial things, human interest facts, and social/family/animal issues.  Joe remembers dates, world events, tree and plant classification.  We could be an unstoppable pair.  He has Alzheimer's and to my knowledge I am just fine.

I remember things that I attend to, care about, and deem important.  Joe could always remember everything until recently but he still remembers interesting things.  He remembers new information that has an emotional attachment.  Recently, he did not mention our backgammon game to a mutual friend because he was afraid I would be embarrassed by my ineptness.  He remembers my ineptness!  He remembers the day I used the spatula in my food processor, while it was going (bad choice). He can remember every foolish thing I do because it ties to an emotional connection.  I am not sure if he feels bad for me or if I entertain him but it works.

Time has no meaning.  His actions are slow and deliberate.  A quick walk, quick meal, or quick shower, no longer exist.  Time is confusing. He has trouble drawing a clock. He doesn't have the ability to plan around time or understand the passing of time.  His strategic functioning is rapidly deteriorating.

Joe has lived a great life with many experiences around the world.  He recognizes his connections throughout his life with great engagement.  He has travelled extensively and has read many books.  This is a great strength for him as he loses his strategic skills and is able to use his affective and recognition skills.

Self Help for Memory loss

I have been searching the web for sites that assist people with issues related to memory loss.  I searched for "strategies to help a person with dementia".

I realized that once you have dementia or Alzheimer's all sites are directed to your "caretaker".  Dementia steals a person's independence and identity.

I did find this site which offers tips and tools for keeping your memory engaged:

www.info.gov.hk/elderly/english/healthinfo/selfhelptips/memoryloss-e.htm.

Tips for improving Memory

1. Attend to one task at a time and avoid external distraction.
2. Simplify information and remember them one by one, e.g. learning Tai Chi one step at a time.
3. Link items to old memories to be remembered, and form images to which can be exaggerated for more vivid memory, e.g. to alert oneself of the serious consequence of forgetting to switch off the fire after boiling a kettle of water, try to visualize an elephant dashing into a swimming pool, leading to splashing of water with a banging noise.
4. Divide numerical information into groups. e.g. telephone number 2121 8080.
5. Categorize information by putting similar items in the same list, e.g. when shopping.
6. Summarize information: understand information thoroughly and focus attention on the main points, put aside the details.
7. Rehearse and practise repeatedly.
8. Be observant and notice the special features, e.g. special facial characteristic for remembering.
9. Preserve optimal function of the senses. Seek medical attention early if there is problem in hearing or eyesight. Wear spectacles or hearing aid if necessary.
10. Be self-confident and adopt a positive attitude.
11. Use coping strategies or memory aids, e.g. draw up checklists and timetable, use tape recorder and electrical appliances such as medication alarm, big calender, colourful labels and pictures, etc.

In summary, if elders effectively apply the above skills in daily living, they are capable of maintaining good memory. However, if there is rapid deterioration in memory, affecting daily life and home safety, professional advice should be sought.

JAN Network

Today a co-worker recommended the Job Accommodation Network.   This site offers hints, suggestions, tools, and ada information to help employers and employees manage and overcome employment barriers.  Check it out at http:// askjan.org.http://askjan.org

Who is affected by short term memory loss

Have you experienced the moment when you walk into to the kitchen then realize you have forgotten why you were going to the kitchen?  We have all experienced this situation in one way or another, but  usually we are tired or distracted and nothing is seriously wrong.

Many people experience life altering memory problems from brain trauma or health issues.  Memory impairment may improve or worsen depending on the cause of the problem, however, supports can be used to allow for enrichment at all of life's stages.

I am beginning this blog to help people with memory problems live and learn to their fullest ability.  I would like to find tools and resources and offer this place to share them.