Marvel the time
The demented elderly has a perception of time that is beyond our awareness.
Time is listed among the greatest mysteries of our lives.
If we do not understand that strange time, we must examine and adapt.
Do not leave them alone as they wander far.
Give them their footing with grounded anchors and roots.
Open doors to embrace and to cherish.
Rely on the new time and marvel.
Explanation:
Dementia is too much put down as specter.
And too little as a phase of life that has beautiful and touching moments. That can provide much gratitude and satisfaction to family and staff.
Provided that you can let go the vaunted values as identity, autonomy and freedom of choice.
And favor values such as love and connectedness, patience and commitment.
Notice:
To some photo's I added a description in the form of a quote.
For example:
She seeks and scans the corridor, looking up and down, rattles doorknobs.
"Looking for something ma'am?", I ask. "Yes," she replies. "Especially myself."
In the store I suddenly catch her feasting on a box of chocolates on her lap. "That is enough, we must pay for that first," I say.
She innocently looks at me. "Well, that doesn't matter to me," she says. "Why?", I ask her. "Well, I'm demented and you have to watch over me. So if we get caught, it's your fault."
Arm in arm, I walk through the corridor with him. I say: "Let us go to the toilet." Surprised, he asks:" Do you have to go too?"