Our KNX Hero of the Week Andrew So is a volunteer skills instructor who is teaching caregivers how to navigate through those tough times when caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Andrew So
“Even though it's just a small impact to the world, I'm making a difference and that's why I love my job,” he told Heroes host Heather Jordan.
So, who is from Chino Hills, said when his grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 10 years ago, he left the United States and moved to Hong Kong to help his grandpa during his final years.
Understanding that he had a unique experience dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's, So joined the Nonprofit Center for Caregiver Advancement three years ago. Now, he's a multilingual lead instructor.
Andrew So
“In California, right now, we don't really have a standardized certification or training,” he said. “I noticed, ‘OK, there's a lot more than I can do’ and if I could turn back the time, I could have done a lot better. I joke about my mistakes a lot because this is real-life experience.”
Andrew So
Andrew So
So also shared the key points of working with those who have memory loss.
“First of all, never argue. Individuals with Alzheimer's, there's no logic behind them,” he said. "There's a lot of emotions, and arguing does not win you anything. You could be right, but they will stay upset for the rest of the day. Secondly, it's to be flexible. Never say no to them. Just tell them, ‘OK, that's a great idea.’ Even though they want to put on the down jacket in a hot summer, that's a great idea.”
Andrew So
So has always been community-minded. Years ago, he started a cafe in Hong Kong that hires kids who have trouble learning in the classroom. He's also active in church and is a music engineer who keeps busy with his young family.
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