“I want to help!” Children learn at an early age that it’s fun to help.
Often that helpfulness leads to a sense of accomplishment, especially when there are tangible results.
As we age, we still want to help…to feel a sense of accomplishment…to contribute to something that is worthwhile.
Making cookies to share
Our Lady-Links visits with our dear friends who have dementia focus on what these ladies can still do….NOT on what they can’t do.We work behind the scenes to create projects and activities which they can complete, allowing them to feel a sense of accomplishment. With our crafts, all the gluing is done before the visit, leaving only peel-and-stick decorations to be added.
That way at the visit, the parts can be assembled easily. This leads to a feeling of accomplishment which contributes to a sense of significance..
The craft projects we make are given to residents in our retirement community, so our dear friends know that they are contributing to the encouragement of others.
The key is to make it easy for your friend or loved one with dementia to be a part of the activity.
Working together is an easy way to provide guidance as a “team” member, not as a teacher to a student.
Make it possible for your friend or loved one with dementia to develop feelings of significance by allowing them to help with a project that will be given to others. That way they will benefit from being a part of a group effort and will feel that they have contributed something to a noble cause.
We are frequently told by the caregivers and/or spouses of our dear friends that the days the Lady-Links visit are the best days of the week for their loved one. And that makes us feel significant!
Speak Your Mind