There are other ways to ignite fond memories and spark connection, she told CNA Women.
Re2ignite engages individuals with moderate dementia with art therapy such as creating a self-portrait or painting a mask, and those with advanced dementia with music, scent, sensory massage, as well as video, images and items reflecting the week’s theme, such as travel or childhood toys.
Bielig recalled how a bedridden woman with advanced dementia who had not spoken a word in two months during their sessions together shocked everyone by suddenly saying that she went to Hong Kong.
Another woman who used to be a piano teacher even managed to play the piano again with some hand-over-hand support, Bielig recalled. “Nobody thought it would be possible because she usually doesn’t move at all and has a very limited field of vision.”
Indeed, even those with advanced dementia who cannot speak can express themselves through facial gestures, eye movements or slight movements of their hands, Bielig added.
For Sahara, one of the best parts of the job is witnessing residents do things nobody thought they could do again. “When we share these stories, it is very rewarding to witness the new hope in family members, especially for people with end-stage dementia,” she said.
Sometimes, family members are so inspired after the sharing session that they also learn to engage their loved ones through non-verbal gestures, Sahara said.
When memory fades and words fail, what is important “is the feeling that we leave our loved ones with – they might not remember our name or who we are, but they still can feel”, she added.
