Archive for the ‘Voice of dementia’ Category

A few of us outside the theatre

Mr Hespin and Maslen George on Stage

A jolly knees-up on stage

Miss Councell and Maslen George on stage

Well the theatre show at the Blackmore Theatre was a roaring succcess. A number of residents attended the performances on Saturday and Sunday, and two of our residents were on the stage delighting the audience on both days. It turns out that ‘being on stage’ is a bit like other experts skills such as singing, gardening, polishing shoes etc, in that people can retain those expert skills well into their dementia. Both our residents looked like fish in the water and were obviously enjoying themselves tremendously. Just look at these pictures! 

Two of our residents participated in the rehearsals for this weekend’s show at the Blackmore Theatre in Exmouth. It was pure magic!

G is sitting on the terrace after lunch, enjoying this fine September day. He calls me over.

“Where am I ?          “You’re at Rose Lodge”

“What’s that ?”     “It’s a place where we look after people who are forgteful”

“And how long have I been here ?”     “Oh about a month” G looks puzzled

“I didn’t know”   “Yes you forgot – that’s why you are here – do you recognise me ?”

“Never seen you before”     “I have known you for a month now – I think you forget”. He nods

“I bet you remember what happened a long time ago”     “Yes I do”

“Can you remember what you had for lunch today ?”    “No idea – very strange”

“I know it must be quite confusing – you wake up every day not knowing where you are“     “Yes very strange”

“So that is why you are here – because you forget”    He nods and smiles.    “OK”

Chatting with F this afternoon, he mentioned he was confused by all the people in the room.

“You have trouble recognising their faces” ?

“Yes it is hard”

“You seem to recognise me “

He smiles.

“Polished mahogany” he says with a big smile (Too much allotment gardening has given me a good tan!)