I read the humorous quote above with my companion with dementia the other day. She has advanced dementia, yet we both laughed. In fact, she asked me to read it again, and we laughed a second time as well.
I am well aware that my companion’s ability to understand words is changing. I am aware that her changing rational thinking skills are making it harder for her to analyze and interpret information.
But I am also aware that she is still herself and appreciates humor with an edge of sarcasm. She still enjoys sitting shoulder to shoulder with people she enjoys while enjoying simple things like reading and laughing together.
I know that heavy sarcasm or complex subjects would set her up for failure so I steer clear of those. But my friend has not lost her intelligence. She has not lost her humor. She has not lost her desire to enjoy sweet times with those she has come to trust and enjoy. In fact, these are just a few of her strengths, and when I sit and enjoy simple quotes like the one above, I allow her to still be her, and I allow her cognitive skills to not matter.
Simple, yet profound. Goodness brought to her, and goodness brought to me. This is strength-based dementia care and I am honored to bring it to my friends and loved ones.
Grateful,
Jill
©Jill Couch
