Joy Moments

What a wonderful day for a first post! I just arrived home from a week in Wisconsin caring for my nine month old grandson and then the weekend in Texas seeing all of my brothers and sisters (there are eight of us and spouses) and a dear aunt and two uncles at my niece's wedding.

Being together to reminisce and interact was fun and since we are all scattered, it doesn't happen nearly enough. It was just long enough to enjoy each other and wish for more of those moments and memories.

On the plane ride back, having time to reflect, made me think about families living with dementia. Often times there is so much care needed, that even being in the same town or the same house, doesn't give the opportunity for those moments of joy and interaction.

So how do you get to those moments when you are knee deep in extra work and responsibilities and doctor visits and time is precious?

That is where activity pursuits can be so helpful. Even ten minutes of singing together or looking through a picture album or reading from a book of poetry or thinking up a person's name for every letter of the alphabet. Ten minutes scheduled into each day for an activity can set you on the path to those moments. I worked with a man who still enjoyed washing the dishes. His dishwashing skills were not as keen as they used to be so we worked together. He washed them to get them ready for the dishwasher. I put them in the dishwasher. During the time that it took, he would reminisce or sometimes I told a joke or we would sing. And most of the time we both felt good after the task was done. When it was scheduled daily, it became a routine that was positive for both of us. It was something we looked forward to that set the tone for the evening.

I guess I see it like a mini family get together. Even if it is only two people and even if it only lasts a very short period of time, it's coming together, sharing moments, and going away with positive feelings.