Peaceful the Bear enjoying the park with Gregory.
I guess that I am "the apple of Gregory's eye!"
Then we came in and sat in the Great Room. Gregory picked up today's newspaper and just enjoyed holding it!
Showing posts with label Peaceful the Bear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peaceful the Bear. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Today at Lieberman
Then we came in and sat in the Great Room. Gregory picked up today's newspaper and just enjoyed holding it!
Monday, July 6, 2015
The Big Bang Theory
Gregory and I love the "Big Bang Theory" TV series. When Sheldon, one of the series characters, was ill as a little boy, his mother would sing the "Soft Kitty" song to him. Beginning about three years ago, I would often sing it to Gregory when we went to sleep at night. He would always giggle. Now I sing it when he is going to take a nap and it relaxes him and puts him to sleep.
In this photograph he looks so peaceful, thus the name of his bear "Peaceful the Bear." I makes my heart feel good knowing that in this state Gregory is not troubled, or concerned, or agitated, or worried. Just peaceful. (Not to say that he is not peaceful at other times during the day! A double negative meaning that he IS peaceful at other times!)
Even though he is in a wheel chair, once tipped back everyone needs a blanket to take a nap so I bought this special one only to be used for naps.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Bobby Broom and Ruby
Today's entertainment at Lieberman was specially planned for Father's Day. Over 100 people attended the jazz concert by the world famous Bobby Broom Trio which included Bobby Broom, his partner Dennis, and his mother Ruby.
Ruby has been a resident at Lieberman for many years. She is a lovely lady who is visually challenged but high in spirits and love. During many entertainments on Sundays she can be seen standing with her walker putting on the moves, singing along at times, and adding at just the right emotionally charged places, a gospel type RIGHT, YES, or YOU GO!
Today she was beautifully dressed ready to perform with her son Bobby and she did a great job. Forgive the blurred photograph but privacy must be respected.
Gregory and I really enjoyed the concert and afterwards Gregory, Peaceful the Bear, and I went outside to enjoy the great weather.
Ruby has been a resident at Lieberman for many years. She is a lovely lady who is visually challenged but high in spirits and love. During many entertainments on Sundays she can be seen standing with her walker putting on the moves, singing along at times, and adding at just the right emotionally charged places, a gospel type RIGHT, YES, or YOU GO!
Today she was beautifully dressed ready to perform with her son Bobby and she did a great job. Forgive the blurred photograph but privacy must be respected.
Gregory and I really enjoyed the concert and afterwards Gregory, Peaceful the Bear, and I went outside to enjoy the great weather.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Lieberman Sunday
Today at Lieberman Entertainment Sunday, the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band Jr played. THE MSKB is famous and this group of students is part of their outreach program to help continue the art and music of Klezmer. Gregory enjoyed it as you can see with his keeping time and the look of engagement on his face. Peaceful the Bear was resting at Gregory’s feet.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Interventions or Are They Daily Activities of Life?
In my comments to Kate Swaffer on her blog and in our backs and forths replying, I am becoming more aware of dementia in terms of thoughts, opinions, and attitudes of those who have it and those who do not. I have become more sensitive but still hold strongly to some of my previous views.
So based on a recent post of Kate's on things that can be done to help people with dementia in a better place, especially when distressed, agitated or upset, in place of using drugs, I made these comments.
You can read her full post here:
http://kateswaffer.com/2015/06/03/therapeutic-interventions-for-dementia/
If the activities help, in place of drugs, great. You are right to wonder about calling them "interventions" as they are the daily activities of life just used more purposefully.
I wonder why you feel that many of the activities are good for residential but not in the community use. You say that they are "just things people do" so why not do them wherever and whenever needed?
I am a person without dementia and I put on my headphones and listen to music when I need to calm my nerves or control my periodic depression. I take walks to help me think. I pet my cat, play fetch (she actually returns the puff ball to my hand,) laugh when she climbs circus style to the top of a ten foot ladder, and cry into her fur when sad.
My theory is (and it is not original) "Whatever works, works. That is the measure of doing it or not!"
Gerry, who has advanced dementia, loves her doll, talks to it, protects it, and shushes us when it is sleeping. It keeps her happy and feeling useful. What is the matter with playing with dolls if it works.
Vivian. who is less advanced than Gerry, says, "That is so foolish to play with dolls. My children are grown and I don't have to baby them anymore. I'd rather eat ice cream to keep me happy." What is the matter with eating ice cream and gaining a few pounds if it works. Also in small amounts and if monitored will it really hurt a diabetic?
Gregory has a Teddy Bear because I felt a "doll" would not "speak" to him but wanted him to have something like a "blankie" to comfort him. It works! He has always loved Teddy Bears. He loves this one who we have pegged, "Peaceful the Bear."
He holds it for comfort, throws it down when he is upset. He cries into it when listening to emotional classical music and he fondles its soft fur absent-mindedly.
The bear has become a mascot for many of the residents and most of the staff at Gregory's memory care facility.
I have three more identical ones in the closet in case one goes missing or falls apart. I laughingly tell myself that I am a good mother. And if that works why not do it!
* * *
On a separate note, I am thinking about some of your recent facebook issues and your periodic comments: "Please leave your comments but leave your value judgement behind."
It reminds me of when homosexuality in the 70's and 80's was just beginning to organize itself, become more visible, fight for justice, come out! The Gay Men and the Lesbians more often than not bumped heads and battled when it came to labels like Gay and did that or did that not include Lesbians? And who is speaking for whom and why!
Now we are GLBTQ and very visible (including more and more same sex marriage support world wide) So call it what you want Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and/or Questioning ... we have come together.
The current (for lack of better words) battle between those with dementia and those without dementia, between those diagnosed and those who give care might just be leading us to a better place. Since reading much of your work and having done other research, I find I am being more careful with my vocabulary and realizing that some of my views are arguable and even insulting to some.
I just recently (on waking in the middle of the night) revisited one of my blogs to clean it up. It came on too strong and for people who do not know me could very well wreak havoc in opinions. So I was comfortable to scale my comments back enough to still get the message across but not to offend anyone or open wounds or create new ones (especially for me:-)
http://mhorvichcares.blogspot.com/2015/06/between-rock-and-hardplace.html
Thanks Kate for being there!
So based on a recent post of Kate's on things that can be done to help people with dementia in a better place, especially when distressed, agitated or upset, in place of using drugs, I made these comments.
You can read her full post here:
http://kateswaffer.com/2015/06/03/therapeutic-interventions-for-dementia/
If the activities help, in place of drugs, great. You are right to wonder about calling them "interventions" as they are the daily activities of life just used more purposefully.
I wonder why you feel that many of the activities are good for residential but not in the community use. You say that they are "just things people do" so why not do them wherever and whenever needed?
I am a person without dementia and I put on my headphones and listen to music when I need to calm my nerves or control my periodic depression. I take walks to help me think. I pet my cat, play fetch (she actually returns the puff ball to my hand,) laugh when she climbs circus style to the top of a ten foot ladder, and cry into her fur when sad.
My theory is (and it is not original) "Whatever works, works. That is the measure of doing it or not!"
Gerry, who has advanced dementia, loves her doll, talks to it, protects it, and shushes us when it is sleeping. It keeps her happy and feeling useful. What is the matter with playing with dolls if it works.
Vivian. who is less advanced than Gerry, says, "That is so foolish to play with dolls. My children are grown and I don't have to baby them anymore. I'd rather eat ice cream to keep me happy." What is the matter with eating ice cream and gaining a few pounds if it works. Also in small amounts and if monitored will it really hurt a diabetic?
Gregory has a Teddy Bear because I felt a "doll" would not "speak" to him but wanted him to have something like a "blankie" to comfort him. It works! He has always loved Teddy Bears. He loves this one who we have pegged, "Peaceful the Bear."
He holds it for comfort, throws it down when he is upset. He cries into it when listening to emotional classical music and he fondles its soft fur absent-mindedly.
The bear has become a mascot for many of the residents and most of the staff at Gregory's memory care facility.
I have three more identical ones in the closet in case one goes missing or falls apart. I laughingly tell myself that I am a good mother. And if that works why not do it!
* * *
On a separate note, I am thinking about some of your recent facebook issues and your periodic comments: "Please leave your comments but leave your value judgement behind."
It reminds me of when homosexuality in the 70's and 80's was just beginning to organize itself, become more visible, fight for justice, come out! The Gay Men and the Lesbians more often than not bumped heads and battled when it came to labels like Gay and did that or did that not include Lesbians? And who is speaking for whom and why!
Now we are GLBTQ and very visible (including more and more same sex marriage support world wide) So call it what you want Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and/or Questioning ... we have come together.
The current (for lack of better words) battle between those with dementia and those without dementia, between those diagnosed and those who give care might just be leading us to a better place. Since reading much of your work and having done other research, I find I am being more careful with my vocabulary and realizing that some of my views are arguable and even insulting to some.
I just recently (on waking in the middle of the night) revisited one of my blogs to clean it up. It came on too strong and for people who do not know me could very well wreak havoc in opinions. So I was comfortable to scale my comments back enough to still get the message across but not to offend anyone or open wounds or create new ones (especially for me:-)
http://mhorvichcares.blogspot.com/2015/06/between-rock-and-hardplace.html
Thanks Kate for being there!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Sad, Frightening, and Beautiful
Today at Lieberman I witnessed something sad, frightening, and beautiful.
First, the set up. Today at Lieberman we had an Oscar Previews Party. The staff wore formal gowns and heels. A few female residents wore beautiful hats with feathers or cabbage roses and a few male residents wore sport coats with a jaunty scarf tossed around the neck.. There was a red carpet to walk down and you could have your photograph taken by our volunteer photographer.
Slides of beautiful dresses, beautiful people, and previous Oscar winners over the years were shown, trailers from each film nominated for best movie were shown, all categories were discussed and residents could vote for whom they thought would win.
The first trailer was from Sharpshooter, biopic of Chris Kyle, the most-celebrated sniper in American military history. In the aftermath of 9/11, Kyle decides to serve his country by becoming a Navy SEAL.
Second, the sad and frightening. As we watched the trailer, Gregory began getting upset and his upset elevated fairly quickly. He got loudly verbal, anxiously shifted around in his wheel chair, and cried. The reaction was caused by the shooting and violence we were seeing in the trailer.
After ten or fifteen seconds of trying to calm him down, to no avail, I asked him if he would like to go out of the room. (I felt like a loving mother with a misbehaving child at the movies. Instead of expecting "self control," remove the child from the situation. )
He said, "Yes."
I repeated, "Do you want to leave the room?"
"Please," he said.
He continued to get more and more upset emotionally as I was turning his chair around to head for the door when he picked up "Peaceful the Bear" and threw him down on the floor with such never before seen force and anger saying, "There!"
Up until then Peaceful was always loved and loving. Comforting. Watching this was amazing.
Third, the wonderful. Gregory and I hugged and rocked and I cooed calming words. He calmed down once we were away from the shooting and violence on the screen. The situation and discomfort was over and Gregory was OK again. I put Peaceful back into his lap and said, "Peaceful loves you!"
The beauty in this is that Gregory still has emotions and is able to express them. Also, it is important to note that the emotions are not unreasonable or out of control. Life has its ups and downs. It is good that Gregory is still able to experience them!
First, the set up. Today at Lieberman we had an Oscar Previews Party. The staff wore formal gowns and heels. A few female residents wore beautiful hats with feathers or cabbage roses and a few male residents wore sport coats with a jaunty scarf tossed around the neck.. There was a red carpet to walk down and you could have your photograph taken by our volunteer photographer.
Slides of beautiful dresses, beautiful people, and previous Oscar winners over the years were shown, trailers from each film nominated for best movie were shown, all categories were discussed and residents could vote for whom they thought would win.
The first trailer was from Sharpshooter, biopic of Chris Kyle, the most-celebrated sniper in American military history. In the aftermath of 9/11, Kyle decides to serve his country by becoming a Navy SEAL.
Second, the sad and frightening. As we watched the trailer, Gregory began getting upset and his upset elevated fairly quickly. He got loudly verbal, anxiously shifted around in his wheel chair, and cried. The reaction was caused by the shooting and violence we were seeing in the trailer.
After ten or fifteen seconds of trying to calm him down, to no avail, I asked him if he would like to go out of the room. (I felt like a loving mother with a misbehaving child at the movies. Instead of expecting "self control," remove the child from the situation. )
He said, "Yes."
I repeated, "Do you want to leave the room?"
"Please," he said.
He continued to get more and more upset emotionally as I was turning his chair around to head for the door when he picked up "Peaceful the Bear" and threw him down on the floor with such never before seen force and anger saying, "There!"
Up until then Peaceful was always loved and loving. Comforting. Watching this was amazing.
Third, the wonderful. Gregory and I hugged and rocked and I cooed calming words. He calmed down once we were away from the shooting and violence on the screen. The situation and discomfort was over and Gregory was OK again. I put Peaceful back into his lap and said, "Peaceful loves you!"
The beauty in this is that Gregory still has emotions and is able to express them. Also, it is important to note that the emotions are not unreasonable or out of control. Life has its ups and downs. It is good that Gregory is still able to experience them!
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Sunday's at Lieberman
A talented young man named Alex sung Sinatra type songs, Rock & Roll, and Old Favorites today for an audience of about 75. Cheryl join us for the festivities.
The folks were really engaged with his performance and joy abounded. At one point Gregory was so moved by the music that he embraced Peaceful the Bear with a tear in his eye.
Finally, never underestimate the power and joy of music in even the most challenged situations.
The folks were really engaged with his performance and joy abounded. At one point Gregory was so moved by the music that he embraced Peaceful the Bear with a tear in his eye.
Finally, never underestimate the power and joy of music in even the most challenged situations.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Peaceful the Bear
This bear has taken on such importance to both Gregory and me. Rarely will you see Gregory without the bear in his lap or clutched to his chest. It calms him and cheers him.
Every time I look at the bear I am so grateful that I was able to create this peaceful experience for Gregory. Little things make big differences!
Much like Alzheimer's itself, at Lieberman's Fifth Floor things have a way of "disappearing" for a period of time or sometimes forever. It comes with the territory.
Every time I look at the bear I am so grateful that I was able to create this peaceful experience for Gregory. Little things make big differences!
Much like Alzheimer's itself, at Lieberman's Fifth Floor things have a way of "disappearing" for a period of time or sometimes forever. It comes with the territory.
When Gregory is happy he hugs the bear, when he is sad he cries into the bear, when he is angry he throws the bear, when he is silly he uses the bear in a puppet show.
The bear got its name when early in his arrival, Gregory was asleep and hugging the bear. I wondered, "When people with Alzheimer's are asleep, are they at peace with the world and with themselves?"
I have purchased four (4) bears. When one becomes soiled or dirty, I am able to take it home and wash and dry it and return it to Lieberman.
By having this many bears, Gregory will never be without his Peaceful!
By having this many bears, Gregory will never be without his Peaceful!
Peaceful enjoying ice cream at
Lieberman's September Birthday Event.
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