Hollis had a suspicion that this woman was cognitive, at least at this moment. Hollis also had a suspicion that this woman had experienced hallucinations in the past and might be looking to confirm she wasn’t hallucinating. Hollis approaches but doesn’t stop her from touching Bright Hawk.
As the group grows in size the positive energy is increased and more people are singing. Often in these later moments, we will see people living with aphasia, singing with us, singing with the group, a simple word. Singing “Love” – over and over with both of us, and the entire group, encouraging each other. The room always changes after that song, like turning on the wake-up switch!
As I squatted in front of her I begged for the answer, “What is the meaning of Life?” I looked her in her eyes and she said,
Each time in the circle she would tear up when Bright Hawk would talk about Hawaii. When Hollis would lean in to invite her to dance, she would happily join in on the hula dance we do for the Hawaii story. She would smile big and each time she would say the same thing, “Ohhh I remember doing the hula with my husband on our honeymoon!”
Working with people in nursing care is challenging and when they also have dementia it can easily drain the energy reserves of even the most passionate nurse, activity director or direct caregiver. As a CNA, Certified Nursing Assistant, we are taught this in our training. I was aware that there was a potential to burn out as a CNA and as I moved from one…
Let’s Dance engages them in a profound way leaving them in a wake of hugs, exercise, big smiles, and uplifted moods. We engage people that haven’t engaged in months with music that opens up the heart and a lifetime caregiver that approaches residents one on one. Even cognitive communities love to have us visit because they know they are supporting our visits to their peers in memory care units.
Let’s Dance engages folks that are usually difficult to engage.
Let’s Dance is excited to offer entertainment to communities with elderly, special needs, dementia residents and other people including those in wheelchairs. This entertainer is available in Oregon in Nov & Dec. – California in Dec. – Arizona in January. Let’s Dance is a non-profit and is in service to all income levels, please visit our website for more information including our calendar where you…
We could really use your help in spreading the word. Just take one moment to help other people become aware of Let’s Dance! Please share on your local social media page or you can use this email to send to your coworkers. CLICK HERE TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Our Western Tour is underway and we are excited to be visiting Oregon, Nevada, California, and…
We have visited 100’s of facilities around the USA and we are currently seeking funding to support the advancement of fulfilling programs for the elderly and special needs. Let’s Dance is working hard to get funding and we are currently hoping that people that have witnessed the program would be willing to fill out a survey. You can go here to fill it out, it…
