Visiting Ms. Daisy

I was hesitant at first because I was afraid visiting people with dementia would make me sad. That it would remind me of Ed, my Romanian soul mate of 30 years, who had passed away with Alzheimer’s seven years earlier. By Marie Marley +Alzheimer's Reading Room  “I’ve come to visit you, Ms. Daisy” I said in a perky tone of voice after introducing myself. “Me?” she exclaimed – smiling, looking up at me, raising her eyebrows and putting her hand over her heart. “Yes. You,” I answered, delighted by her excited reaction. She had already won my heart. It was obvious she was thrilled to have me visit even if she had no earthly idea who I was. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Since retiring a few months ago, I’d decided to volunteer spending time with some local memory care facility residents who don’t have many visitors. I selected the marvelous Overland Park, Kansas Clare Bridge community that’s part of Brookdale Senior Living. This was my first day and Ms. Daisy was my first ‘client.’ Numerous friends and acquaintances who do similar types of volunteer work have told me they receive so much more than they give. I have always taken that with a grain of salt. I honestly didn’t see how it could be true. I was hesitant at first because I was afraid visiting people with dementia would make me sad. That it would remind me of Ed, my Romanian soul mate of 30 years, who had passed away with Alzheimer’s seven years...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Dementia Authors: Source Type: blogs