I slipped into the chair beside him before he could jump up and fly away!
The group was in the middle of a toss game, trying to land various stuffed items on playing cards on the floor.
He leaned over to me and whispered, “This could take awhile.” I smiled inside.
There is every ability and disability present. The 3 males with Alzheimer’s are all gentle giants. Two sisters quibble and nitpick at each other (both are fine physically). One gentleman is wheelchair bound and another lady requires a walker. The other lady should have a walker but I think is trying to remain as independent as possible.
The staff should have accolades – they treat each person so well. When it was Wayne’s turn to stand at the green line for the toss, he faced 90 degrees right. As she just took his arm and turned him around, he tripped on her shoe. “I’m injured!” Everyone got a good laugh.
The next fellow got up to the line and stood with his back to it – again, patience and kindness for him.
these groups need volunteeers so if anyone should want to spend an hour or two – - -
11 Comments
Oh so sad, for us to see our loved ones with this awful disease! However, I’m so glad that we live during a time when there are some medications to help a little bit, day care to ease the care takers, and people who volunteer and work with our loved ones.
Jean, it’s good to have you back again.
Sounds like a great place. I used to take some very nice older people to a senoir center on my bus. They had so much fun. Dances, games, beauty pageants .And good food. I believe you could also drop family members there for the day or a few hours anyway. Very nice place.
I wish I was close and could volunteer. I’d love to help you with your dear sweet Wayne.
HUGS
I don’t know that I could do it, Jean. I have the utmost admiration for those who do.
They are angels unaware.
Anyone who has that calling and can do it is truly an angel. right now I don’t believe that I could ever do it. I think sometimes it’s easier to have more patience with someone whom you don’t know. You and Wayne are truly blessed to have this place that he can go to. It is good for both of you. Glad you are back safe and sound.
In my (much) younger days, I wasn’t so much “put off” by so-called “challenged” individuals … rather, it was probably fear.
Wouldn’t ya know, I lost my job and could only find available work at a State-run institution. WHAT an eye-opener! I’m no angel, but words can’t describe the love and lessons I was taught each day by those patients. To this day, I consider myself the lucky one.
They are paving their way to heaven, don’t you think? How rewarding and how giving of them to be able to be so patient. It’s such a hard disease to deal with, not all could do it.
Wayne sure married the right gal 44 years ago, didn’t he? His lucky day!
Wayne is adorable!! His “this could take a while” comment reminded me of something Jack Nicholson would say in one of his movies.
I know this has to be rough for you at times, but I love how you see the humor in it at times like this. You inspire me.
Big hugs
Love you
Jeanne
Heartbreaking and so gentle and loving at the same time. Good thing we can still laugh (I mean the whole group – not just us).
Thinking of you both as we head into the colder months.