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Got Joy? Take People with Memory Problems to the Ballgame
Mercer Island, WA
Monday, August 16, 2010
Dr. Vicki Rackner
Would you like to bring joy to a loved one with memory problems?
Take 'em out to the ballgame! You can transport a baseball enthusiast back to the joy of their youth.
Plan to arrive at the game early and watch batting practice; it's also a good way to avoid the crowds. Check a book out of the library with pictures of your loved one's favorite players and bring it with you to the game. You can look at it as you wait for the game to begin.
Try to stimulate all the senses. Bring a baseball and maybe even a mitt for your loved one's hands. Get some hot peanuts, open the bag and hold it under your loved one's nose. Eat some ice cream, if it's okay with the doctor. Sing loudly during the seventh inning stretch.
You can call the stadium and find out what kind of accommodations they have for seniors. The Seattle Mariners' Safeco Field has many features that make seniors feel welcome, including parking and seating for people in wheelchairs, family rest rooms and the ability to respond to medical concerns.
Consider bringing your children along, too. Before the game, you can have an age-appropriate conversation about dementia or Alzheimer's. "Grandpa is the same person deep down, but his brain is sick, so he has trouble remembering things. It's easier for him to remember things from when he was your age than from yesterday. Maybe you can find out what it was like for him to be a boy who loved baseball. Even if he doesn't remember your name, you can tell him you love him."
Here are some conversations starters:
• Who is your favorite player?
• What's the first time you went to a game, and what was it like?
• Did you play baseball as a kid?
• Did you and your dad play catch?
• Did you ever get in trouble because of baseball?
• Did you ever want to grow up and be a baseball player?
Be flexible. The point is not to see the whole game; you're taking your loved one to bring a smile to their faces—and yours.
You might be surprised at how the return to a place from the past can evoke memories as well as smiles. Enjoy!
Dr. Vicki Rackner helps families caring for loved ones get better results, share more love and seek more joy. Dr. Rackner is a former surgeon, author and speaker. Reach her at www.DrVickiRackner.com or call (425)451-3777.
Take 'em out to the ballgame! You can transport a baseball enthusiast back to the joy of their youth.
Plan to arrive at the game early and watch batting practice; it's also a good way to avoid the crowds. Check a book out of the library with pictures of your loved one's favorite players and bring it with you to the game. You can look at it as you wait for the game to begin.
Try to stimulate all the senses. Bring a baseball and maybe even a mitt for your loved one's hands. Get some hot peanuts, open the bag and hold it under your loved one's nose. Eat some ice cream, if it's okay with the doctor. Sing loudly during the seventh inning stretch.
You can call the stadium and find out what kind of accommodations they have for seniors. The Seattle Mariners' Safeco Field has many features that make seniors feel welcome, including parking and seating for people in wheelchairs, family rest rooms and the ability to respond to medical concerns.
Consider bringing your children along, too. Before the game, you can have an age-appropriate conversation about dementia or Alzheimer's. "Grandpa is the same person deep down, but his brain is sick, so he has trouble remembering things. It's easier for him to remember things from when he was your age than from yesterday. Maybe you can find out what it was like for him to be a boy who loved baseball. Even if he doesn't remember your name, you can tell him you love him."
Here are some conversations starters:
• Who is your favorite player?
• What's the first time you went to a game, and what was it like?
• Did you play baseball as a kid?
• Did you and your dad play catch?
• Did you ever get in trouble because of baseball?
• Did you ever want to grow up and be a baseball player?
Be flexible. The point is not to see the whole game; you're taking your loved one to bring a smile to their faces—and yours.
You might be surprised at how the return to a place from the past can evoke memories as well as smiles. Enjoy!
Dr. Vicki Rackner helps families caring for loved ones get better results, share more love and seek more joy. Dr. Rackner is a former surgeon, author and speaker. Reach her at www.DrVickiRackner.com or call (425)451-3777.
Vicki Rackner MD FACS
Mercer Island, WA
425-451-3777
