Patriotic Times

 Happier days in assisted living. 2018

Patriotic Times

Like most of us, Shelley loved patriotic holidays.  Her favorite one is July 4. Not only is this date America’s birthday, but it is also mine.

Back in her employed career, holidays provided days away from a busy place. Shelley worked for an insurance agency and won awards for sales. Not being retail, her job didn’t’ require weekends, so she welcomed holidays with a three-day extension. 

Shelley loves her country, and she celebrated each patriotic holiday. She was proud of her grandfather and son for serving in the US Army. 

Her son Rich is the taller man who stands in front by the man with flag. He was the platoon leader at graduation. Shelley loved every proud moment of this day..

Perhaps, deep down, she has days of thanksgiving for America. On Memorial Day, she would voice gratitude for the sacrifices men and women have made through the years.

At her memory care facility, the aids decorate hallways and community rooms with streamers and other red, white, and blue paraphernalia. The aids do their best to keep residents current with times and dates. They direct a news event every afternoon to residents who are able to come. The aid in charge gives the day and date and then they read news about current events. I sometimes wonder how much these residents understand or retain. All are in various stages of dementia.

Shelley doesn’t attend. In fact, no one bothers to take her to these gatherings. This bothers me, but I also understand why they fail to include her. She can’t easily sit in a straight-backed chair, and she is past understanding what the aids talk about.

Music is different. She enjoys music and would like to participate in musical joint sessions.

She remembers tunes, and patriotic melodies are among her favorites. She likes the “Star Spangled Banner,” “My Country Tis of Thee,” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

As we remember the men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice for our country, let us also remember to talk about these events to our loved ones with dementia.  Here are suggestions.

1. Show them pictures of loved ones who serve, or once served.

2. Sing patriotic songs.

3. Say the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Give them a tiny flag and talk about the day.