Just like everyone else, individuals living with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, have a personal life story to share. They, too, have lived full active lives during which they discovered their talents and developed their skills. Yet, families often worry that the person they love is becoming lost inside the disease. Many don’t realize that the skills and talents their loved one developed years ago can often be reawakened with patience and support.
One of our guiding principles at Anthem Memory Care is our commitment to continue to build purpose and meaning into the daily lives of residents. We recognize the unique lives and personalities of each resident. And, as we learn more about each resident, we encourage them to continue to share their life stories, hobbies, skills and talents with fellow residents, staff and families.
And we are happy to report that there is to plenty to share! Here are a few of our favorites:
Gail Taylor, artist and resident of Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California stands beside one of her amazing metal artwork depicting leaves on copper plates. Her work has been featured in books and has been displayed in hotels and hospitals all over the country.
Many residents have enjoyed golf all their lives. Here, a few golfing residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton Colorado enjoy an outing on the driving range.
Lucille Noble, resident of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas has fished all her life. Why stop now? Staff arranged for a visit to a local pond where Lucille happily cast her line out, bringing back memories, which she happily shared.
These residents of Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois regularly take over the kitchen to show off their culinary skills honed through years of baking and cooking delicious meals for their families. Residents love it!
Another Harvester Place Memory Care resident, David Graham, reunites with his band, the Country Gentlemen, in Burr Ridge, Illinois to play some tunes for fellow residents and families.
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we believe that it is so important for individuals with dementia to continue to enjoy as many of their hobbies and skills from their earlier lives as possible, and for as long as possible. We’ve seen firsthand the delight expressed by family members who discover that a loved one is sharing a story about their earlier years or a special talent with fellow residents.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, take some time to reminisce with them about some of their favorite hobbies or skills. Encourage them, to re-engage with them, if possible. Remaining connected to the things, people, and places that make their lives unique will give your loved one and your entire family many more positive moments and joy together.
(Our header image shows one of the many talented residents of Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois shows off her latest piece of art. Beautiful!)