It has been made abundantly clear to us that our elder does *not* like where she is. She spent the first few weeks pouting…not a pretty sight in someone over 80 years of age. In a way to help her break free from her bad mood, both the activities director and I have been coming up with ideas to get her involved.
I mentioned, one day, that perhaps she could be a role model for some of the other patients. It would be helpful, that I can tell you. I didn’t know it, but the activities director had much the same conversation with her. Here are the results and our further plans.
Valentine’s Day: Our elder was very against the idea…until the time came for the party. Then she was involved, encouraging and asking questions about the poetry I read. It was like she came alive. She was actually happy.
The Munster’s: Our elder did hair for some major studios. There is a picture of her in a book about the Munster’s. In it, she’s doing Mr. Munster’s hair. There was an activity involving famous people, and that picture came up. Our elder was in her room, but the activities director remembered that she’d seen that picture and she knew it was our elder. Someone went to get her and she spent an hour talking about all the work she did in the studios, who she’d met and so forth. It drew her out of herself and into the community.
Pretty Hair Day: This isn’t my idea, but I may attend anyway. In fact, I may even offer to be “guinea pig” for it. Our elder wants to tame my waist length hair, and it might be better if the person she’s working on can sit still…
What’s Next: After the Valentine’s party, our elder asked me that question. I hadn’t actually thought about a “next.” I was just glad that came off without any unexpected hitches. Therefore…there is a “next.”
After discussing it with the activities director, we will be doing St. Patrick’s Day, probably for several days. Being a fan of Celtic music, I have quite a bit to offer. That includes four or five DVDs with music and dancing, a few more pieces on my laptop and a book of Celtic myths.
I also have green food dye…and I’m not afraid to use it. Green cake, green beverages (probably Sprite or something of that nature) and so on will make an appearance. There will also be another trip to local dollar stores…that will be fun.
All of this is for one purpose, though I won’t deny I enjoy the parties as much myself. We want what is best for our elders. They took care of us when we were young and it’s our turn. One of the things I love about the facility our elder is in is the family involvement. We’re all there for them and it will make them happier in the end. If it takes being a role model, good for our elder!
