Trust the journey.
It’s the natural course of life, losing our parents, but just because it’s natural doesn’t make it easier. Whether it is sudden or a child loses their parent little by little over a period of time, losing a parent brings heartbreak like no other.
“I said goodbye to my mom two years ago,” said a dear friend whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. My friend still sees her mother nearly every day but the woman she visits isn’t the mother she once was.
For patients and those caring for family members diagnosed with memory loss, the days can be stressful, long and filled with sadness of loss. For these, the Page Robbins Adult Day Center is a blessing and a reprieve.
Joining Cookie in the sing-a-long!
The center offers daytime programs for middle-aged and older adults challenged with memory loss. Safe, age- and ability-appropriate activities are provided each weekday to encourage socialization and group participation. Page Robbins also assists the primary caregiver through monthly support groups, educational sessions, and guidance on caring for loved ones at home.
This morning, as I joined the sing-along with participants in the Page Robbins Adult Care program, I looked at the faces and into the eyes of those playing instruments and singing with the two talented volunteer vocalists-guitarists leading the activity. I wondered how many Christmases the participants remember and what Christmas will be like for them and their families this year.
A large circle of participants sing along with talented volunteer musicians.
With the dedication the center’s staff shows in caring for the participants, planning engaging activities, and serving warm nutritious lunches, I would be completely comfortable leaving my mother in their capable hands.
Today, I also enjoyed a friendly game of a version of kickball with other participants. I noticed some participants were very engaged, on the ready in case the ball came their way. Others were caught off guard when the ball rested at their feet. And that was okay. Meeting each person where they are on their journey is part of the approach the center takes with each participant.
A friendly game of kickball.
Sitting in the art room, cutting out pink and red construction paper hearts in preparation for Valentine’s Day, Joyce Quintrell, the activity and volunteer coordinator, explained the Page Robbins facility is different from many others. At other facilities, there is one activity at a time and all participants, regardless of ability or interest, must be at the activity. At Page Robbins, the participants have options.
The art room is a special place indeed!
I noticed this in action near the end of my time at the center. While other participants were finishing lunch or heading to other activities, one participant joined me in the art room. He walked over to the easel to continue working on a painting he started a few days ago. Seeing a man find happiness and contentment, during a time when despair and sadness consume so many, made me see the awesomeness of the services Page Robbins provides!
The center is able to offer so many options for their clients because of their dedicated volunteers. As you make 2017 plans to give back to our community, keep the Page Robbins Adult Day Center in mind. For more information on how you can help, please visit their website http://pagerobbins.org/.