How can we create an interest in life for those who withdraw due to confusion? I have found that funny stories and interaction with children works well. Often I will encourage persons in group activities to due silly movements during a story or song. I read them poems and jokes about silly things. One day a young girl read them a story she wrote about the perfect grandma. I had encouraged to be as silly as she wished. They all listened intently with huge smiles.
I shared earlier about teaching my granddaughters a song to sing with my mom. The song was about a caveman named Alley Oop. That in itself is silly enough. Here is a little of the song
here’s a man in the funny papers we all know (Alley Oop, oop, oop-oop)
He lived ‘way back a long time ago (Alley Oop, oop, oop-oop)
He don’t eat nothin’ but a bear cat stew (Alley Oop, oop, oop-oop)
Well this cat’s name is-a Alley Oop (Alley Oop, oop, oop-oop)…
Mom’s eyes lit up and she would yell OOP OOP OOP. My granddaughter would double over laughing and mom would do it again. I am sure the workers wondered what was going on. I knew what was going on. My mom who had quit talking almost altogether was having a wonderful time. It gave me a glimpse of a woman who always controlled her emotions having a fabulous time being silly!
Music, humor and art allow them to be stimulated again. Be creative in making them happy. Just today I read about a woman who hired a comic to visit her mom on a regular basis. This was a brilliant idea. A comic is used to being heckled. A person with Alzheimer’s can dish out heckling with great skill sometimes. It keeps us on our toes to react and try something else. This woman had been watching how it worked for months. One day she heard singing and turned the corner to see her mom and the comic singing and dancing around the room. I am sure her heart was filled with as much joy as mine was when my mom and granddaughter had their fun day.
The point of this is that a renewed interest in life brings joy to the caregiver as well as the one being cared for. Watch the I Love Lucy show. Wear clown noses. Dance in the rain. Paint with Jello Pudding and then lick your fingers. Let your inner child join them as they regress by enjoying simple things.
Word for the Day
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Today we come to you with thanksgiving for times of happiness and joy. We need to feel these emotions when our loads are so very heavy.
You are the creator and we know you can give us create ideas to keep our loved ones interested in life and able to enjoy life.
Amen
Walking Them Home 