Encouraging Memoir Writing In Senior Citizens and Hospice Patients

Memoir writing is more like record keeping; it is a recollection of all major life events and heartfelt memories that a person would want their children and grandchildren to read. Everyone’s story is unique; each individual experiences happy and sad moments in a unique way.

Unfortunately, we live in fast-paced times that don’t allow many to look back and reflect on the people we have met and the places we have been. On the other side, we lose great life lessons from seniors who have lived a lifespan full of ups and downs. Imagine not knowing what it was like to be a doctor, an entrepreneur, or a veteran. Waco seniors deserve to have their story told and be remembered by current generations and those that are to come.

One way of doing this is memoir writing; besides helping create a chronicle of seniors’ lives, it’s a great therapeutic technique for people transitioning to hospice care. Why is that so?

· Memoir writing builds confidence

· It creates self-worth

· It ensures a continuation of the seniors’ legacy

· It keeps the brain active

· The memoir will prove to be a priceless gift to children and grandchildren

There are even more reasons why memoir writing should be encouraged. Gentle Transitions Hospice, located in Waco, Texas, believes in the life story of every person in our care. We encourage them to tell their stories in their way.

Gentle Transitions is a leading care provider and hospice. Waco-Temple-Killeen patients can rest assured that their elderly loved ones will receive the highest standard of care with us.

For all things hospice, Waco citizens can rely on Gentle Transitions. We pride ourselves on providing the best care to those admitted to our service, easing their transition, and helping them accept their terminal illness. We offer comfort, encouragement, and guidance to help our patients narrate, dictate, or write about their contributions and achievements in their community, what lessons they would like to give to future generations, any mistakes they made, the regrets they have, the best moments in their lives, etc.

Studies have shown that the older generation takes immense pride and happiness in writing their memoirs. Putting down a record of one’s important life moments can be an extremely satisfying task; the memoir produced from this activity can be the ‘last words’ one has for their families and everyone else. They may also consider it as creating a piece of art or an opportunity to reveal a secret.

Memoirs invite self-reflection, and everyone has an interesting story to tell. Gentle Transitions hospice will engage and welcome stories from all backgrounds. Our trained staff will motivate patients to write whatever they feel is necessary to be shared with their families and the world.

Interactive Activities with Dementia Patients

interactive activities for dementia patients

Dementia is a degenerative brain disorder whose symptoms appear at a later age; in most cases, this is most often after the age of 60. This disorder affects memory, cognitive abilities, behavior, and the capacity to work or do daily tasks. Statistics have shown that there are approximately 50 million people affected by this illness all around the world. The symptoms of dementia can vary in extremities in every individual; not every patient will show the same level of the disorder. However, almost every dementia patient in palliative care will show results of this disease’s severity.

Gentle Transitions is a one-of-a-kind family-based hospice that you can refer to for all things hospice. Waco, Texas, has a senior population that needs a hospice like Gentle Transitions, one that can take care of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The activities we offer our dementia/Alzheimer’s patients are interactive, mindful of their condition, and helpful in their overall care.

Here are some helpful interactive activities for dementia patients. It allows loved ones of the dementia patients to also participate and spend time with them:

· Activity apron: This is a fun and wholesome activity where patients at any stage of dementia are given a special apron/bib that stimulates their visual and tactile senses. The apron engages patients with dementia and even those with Alzheimer’s with its vibrant colors and designs/textures. With its deep knowledge of these disorders, Gentle Transitions aims to be a caring provider that goes beyond being just a traditional hospice in Central & North Texas when it comes to providing helpful tools.

· Physical activity: Light-hearted workouts and exercise can stimulate motor skills and create positive feelings within patients. Physical activity can include walking in a park and water aerobics. However, be mindful of the physical and cognitive condition of the individual with dementia.

· Be around nature: A trip to a national park, a small berry-picking excursion, or some time dedicated to gardening can positively impact patients.

· Music therapy: Music is a powerful tool that soothes and relaxes people. It can be a source of comfort and a reminder of their lives so far. Sometimes nostalgia is all they need; hence, assist dementia patients in reliving their past.

· Art Therapy: Artistic activities can help dementia patients exercise their cognitive abilities. Provide dementia patients with art supplies, such as paint, knitting materials, clay, colors, and crayons, and let them express themselves.

These are just some examples of collaborative and interactive activities that you can enjoy with your loved ones and/or patients with dementia/Alzheimer’s. There are many more ways to help them escape their condition, even for a little while. For example, you can go on a picnic, solve puzzles together, play chess with them, read their favorite books to them, etc. Our staff is ready to receive your elderly loved one and provide these activities to them, these activities are also great for veterans. Waco long term care providers that offer these activities are few and far between, and Gentle Transitions Hospice is proud to be one of them.

How to cope with the Loss of a Loved One

Losing a loved one or a dear friend is extremely heartbreaking and emotionally draining. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone you’ve known and spent years with and see them leave this world. The best thing you can do for them and yourself is to hope and pray they rest in peace.

Here are some ways that will help you cope with this loss:

· Face and Process Your Grief: It’s always advisable to let your emotions out as much as you can once you have experienced losing someone close to you. Holding on to your grief and ignoring it will only make you frustrated. You’ll end up projecting your anger and problems on other people or situations.

· Turn to friends and family members: The death of a loved one can make you appreciate the people around you — those who have been there for you in your time of need and will continue to help you with your grief. Hence, seek help and comfort from them and surround yourself with positivity and affection.

· Find a support group: Sometimes, it’s hard to explain and acknowledge your pain in front of your close friends and family. You need to find your people, understand your pain, and learn how to grieve openly with a group of people that have been in similar situations.

· Take your time: It takes time to become your regular self again; hence, don’t rush this process. Take your time to grieve but don’t a lot of time in isolation; otherwise, you’ll spiral into a whirlpool of sadness, leading towards depression. Be grateful for your life, and make use of it by taking small steps towards betterment.

· Engage in an activity- Try trying things that you wouldn’t have otherwise; make the most of your time on this Earth. Appreciate the beauty of the world around you that is still present. Experiment with new hobbies that you can even enjoy alone, such as gardening, yoga, walking, painting, etc.

· Talk to a counselor/therapist: A grief counselor can be immensely helpful in guiding you through your stages of grief. If you feel lost, abandoned, or aimless, visiting a therapist may help you find your way and make you deal with your intense emotions.

· Prepare yourself: If you are still in a state where small objects, memories, and memorandum could trigger and pull you into a dark phase again, it’s best to avoid those things. Keep personal belongings of your loved ones separate from your life and face them when you are ready. Plan ahead of important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries so that you are not in a compromising emotional state.

For local grief/bereavement support in the Waco-Temple-Killeen, TX area, please contact Gentle Transitions Hospice at: 254-598-1389, or visit our online Facebook support group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/485494771832402/