This photo I took at work yesterday gives me pangs of joy.
Bowling with a lightweight ball & pins was a big hit on 2nd floor---both men and women liked it, which is rare. (So far, mostly I can't get the men interested in the activities I offer.)
I moved the pins closer or farther from each person, and all but the most disabled were able to launch the ball and knock a few down. Very satisfying! and people cheered for one another too.
I can't post most photos I take at work because they clearly show people's faces, but this is my favorite anyway. I did blur the features a little for privacy; it still works, I hope.
I could imagine doing a photo essay showing a side of life with dementia that isn't normally shown:
people being themselves, not just losing parts of themselves...
So much non-verbal stuff remains in play, even as the analytical part of the brain fails.
Bowling with a lightweight ball & pins was a big hit on 2nd floor---both men and women liked it, which is rare. (So far, mostly I can't get the men interested in the activities I offer.)
I moved the pins closer or farther from each person, and all but the most disabled were able to launch the ball and knock a few down. Very satisfying! and people cheered for one another too.
I can't post most photos I take at work because they clearly show people's faces, but this is my favorite anyway. I did blur the features a little for privacy; it still works, I hope.
I could imagine doing a photo essay showing a side of life with dementia that isn't normally shown:
people being themselves, not just losing parts of themselves...
So much non-verbal stuff remains in play, even as the analytical part of the brain fails.
3 comments:
The last paragraph of your post was especially poignant for me.
What a wonderful job you have, Fresca.
A little motor oil smell for the men, perhaps. Or bay rum.
Ah, like bocce ball, the traditional sport of old men in some areas.
CROW: I read someone say that fundraisers emphasize the devastation of dementia, which is important (money for research) but gives a skewed idea.
A book I read was titled "Content Dementia" showing that people with dementia may not be their old selves but they need not be miserable NOR without personality--ha! NOT AT ALL.
It is a wonderful job, I'm finding.
ZHOEN: I haven't taken the kids bike in yet---that smells like the fresh oil I put on it.
Hey, yeah--bocce ball! I forgot--thanks for the reminder.
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