24 Oct
2017
24 Oct
'17
2:41 p.m.
Another thought. We had a dancer who came to our dance regularly -- long
after he could actually participate. Bill had "his" chair that he sat in
and everyone made a point of stopping by to chat at some time during the
evening.
Looking back on it, the only thing that concerns me is that he drove
himself to and from the dances. We should have organized a carpool for him
the way we have for other dancers who couldn't drive.
Is there a good place to sit in your hall where the couple can be part of
the evening without being part of the actual dance?
Dale
On Tue, Oct 24, 2017 at 9:26 AM, Dan Pearl via Organizers <
organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
My mom is suffering from dementia. Though frail, she
has the ability to
dance very well in an improvised way. Because her memory is virtually gone,
and her cognitive skills are impaired, she could not do any sequence-type
dancing.
I look for experiences that are within her capabilities, with the full
expectation that she will remember none of it the next day. "Enjoyment of
the moment" activities such as museums, zoos, concerts, etc. are good.
Movies are likely not good.
In this dancing couple, the woman likely does not realize the amount of
accommodations that others are making for her. She has a disease, and is
not at fault. In fact, I find it touching that the couple wants to
continue the activity.
But they really can't.
It is time to talk with the husband, to let him know that participation by
his wife is causing the other dancers to have to support her. Also, his
wife seems more frustrated and confused by the dances. You can say that
while you treasure their participation in your dance over the years, but it
may be time to stop coming to the regular dances. Do your research, and
see if there are any activities in the area for her offered by "memory
cafes" or senior centers.
Good luck.
Dan Pearl
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