We all have things in our past that were very meaningful to us. Perhaps it was the birth of a baby, a trip, a special anniversary, or even a career. During our Lady-Links visits to our dear friends with cognitive impairment, we find links to their positive memories then engage them in an activity related to that past experience. One such dear friend is a retired nurse and was an instructor in a nursing school. She loves to talk about her former students and the way she oversaw their academic growth in their chosen career of nursing.
When we learned that our retirement community was hosting a Nurses Week Appreciation Event for retired nurses, we got the permission of our dear friend’s son to go to the celebration. One of our Lady-Links is also a retired nurse, so it was natural to include her in our visit.
Our dear friend enjoyed the event and even volunteered to share her story as the microphone was passed from table to table.
It turns out that she was a mentor as well as an instructor to “her group of girls” as she called them. She opened her home to them, hosting them for dinners and celebrations. It was wonderful to hear stories of how life was “back then” for her and to learn that many of those former students still send her a card at Christmas.
Getting to know the life stories of the dear friends we visit gives us a connection point for selecting activities that will be meaningful. How are you celebrating past memories and establishing connections with your friends and loved ones with dementia?
We have wonderful men and women here at Highland Springs, It is a joy to visit with them at their home’s and hear the stories of their life.
You are right, Fern. When we hear their unique life stories, we can find a connection point for conversation and activities that will be meaningful to them and enjoyable for us all!
While eating to get my car washed today, a friend joined me in waiting. Her mother is at FountainView. And she is thinking about having us visit her mother. She did not know we existed.
Ann
I was waiting to have my car washed, not eating.
Ann, glad that you are spreading the word about Lady-Links and our friendship visits to ladies who have dementia or some type of cognitive decline.