"Difficult" Delores

--by LaurneyyLove, posted Nov 24, 2012

Many of the senior citizens I care for suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's.

Each individual suffers from their disease in various ways and not one person is the same. At times, it can be a terribly sad thing to see, but it's another unfortunate fact of life. The majority of those I care for actually handle it quite well. But, as can be expected, some of them get beyond frustrated.

One such person is Delores.

I know she means well, but she acts out when she gets confused. Often times, she is very stubborn. In these instances, she refueses to eat or bathe-- or take part in all the basic neccesities. Usually we have to entice her, tell her that she has friends there.

But there is one thing Dolores absolutely looks forward to, and that is attending Sunday mass.

She has been going to church since she was a kid, and it's one thing that has not changed in her mind. She can depend on the routine of it, and frankly, it's exactly what she needs.

Every week, though, she doesn't have any money. I don't know if her family is keeping it from her or what the deal is there. She asks for it just so she can have something for the collection basket. If she doesn't have money she gets angry, and goes back to not wanting to leave.

After observing this for a bit of time, I got an idea...

While I'm getting her clothes ready for Sunday mass, I sneak a dollar or two into her purse. She has never noticed me do this, and she just figures it must have been in her wallet. Then she goes to church and when she comes home, she is a completely different person!

She is rejuvenated. I can tell she feels cleansed.

Getting to witness her small transformation each week makes everything worth it. I feel elevated knowing I took part in it!

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Posted by LaurneyyLove
Nov 24, 2012
Comments (14)

Readers Comments

denisemj wrote: How thoughtful of you to place the money in her wallet. Thanks for Caring about Delores :)

annjav wrote: That is not only kind, but shows such understanding of how much it means to her to be able to worship and contribute, too. Blessings on you for your care for Delores.

princessliz wrote: I wont say that's sly. I happen to think its your form of anonymous giving :)
Lovely post, thanks for sharing!

starryskies wrote: Wow, that's great! Thanks for being a kindness angel! :)

mssmileyface wrote: It's such a wonderful thing that you are doing. God bless you! :)

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a kind thing for you to do and wonderful the anonymous way in which you do it! :)

rjpaddy wrote: Lovely deed, my friend!

smileswithhope wrote: That's such a sweet gesture-- I'm sure it means a lot to her to be able to give in that way, and you give her the means to do it! Thank YOU for elevating the world with your kindness. :)

April wrote: I love to hear a story like this. It is wonderful that you took the time to pay attention to her. Here is a link that i always share when i hear of someone working with dementia patients. Http://youtu. Be/fyzqf0p73qm it is from a movie that is in the process of being made called alive inside and it documents the amazing transformation of the patients when they connect with music.

smilelinger wrote: Good work keep on keeping on the good work. Be blessed abundantly for this.

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