September 10th, 2015 11:27 PM
Hi there- My mom is in the middle stages of dementia. We moved her to assisted living in January 2015. She is happy when she is in her room because all of her own things are there but when we take her out she becomes very anxious because she doesn't remember where she is and doesn't remember any of the people she has met. So doesnt want to participate in any activities and only stays in her room. We take her out quite a bit but because we all work sometimes the days I am sure are long for her. We are always trying to think of things for her to do - so she has purpose in her life as we believe that is one of the foundations of life. Purpose and service to others. I remembered as a little girl that my mom would sit and colour pictures with me. I remember being in awe that she could stay within the lines. Then when she had grandchildren she would sit and colour with them and they said they remembered how much they enjoyed doing this.
A few weeks ago I took my mom a colouring book and crayons (bought the ones she can twist up and don't need to be sharpened.) The colouring book had all happy pictues - puppies, ice cream cones, fairies etc. Not the intricate colouring books - simple ones with happy pictures. I initally asked if she'd like to colour them for something to do and she said - no not really. Then I asked if she could colour pictures for her grand daughters Sunday school class. I explained that our daughter would like to decorate her class with them. I also left a note for her asking if she could please colour a few pictures for Gracie. Well she has coloured over 100 pictures and continues to do so. It's so important that we all feel like we have purpose in our lives and are contributing no matter what challenges we faced with in our life. My mom continues to teach me that no matter what we are going through in our lives there is always a silver lining. Just wanted to share this and ask also if anyone as any other ideas that we might try to bring purpose and meaning to our loved ones.