Debbie Michalik (Missoula, Montana, 10-26-2007 08:05:15)

I just returned from a conference in Great Falls where Mary and Rachel spent an entire day that flew by totally too fast inspiring a roomful of people to see what folks with dementia can still do. I know this firsthand as I plan activities for these wonderful "elders" - I love and will steal that new term!! However, we were all given a clothespin at the end and encouraged to not go back and do the same old thing. So my next day back I entered memory care with a new enthusiasm and desire to try something new. I approached a male "elder" who almost never comes to an activity and we talked and I smiled and he stayed the entire morning!! Another male "elder" who I almost never approach was lying in bed and I heard his radio alarm going off. I went into the room, turned it off, and spoke to him. I touched his hand and he mentioned that his skin was dry. On his nightstand was a bottle of lotion, so I asked him if I could rub some on his hands and arms. He nodded and as I rubbed that lotion in, he was saying with closed eyes, "That feels so good". Thank you for the clothespin - I am going to put it on my desk and look at it everyday and wonder "what if I tried ...."