Groundhog Day: How Bill Murray Teaches Us About Alzheimer's & Dementia

Happy Groundhog Day! The brilliant comedy (starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors) is, in so many ways, a metaphor for life in the as a professional, family, or caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's and dementia.

The movie is about a man, Phil, who is forced to live the SAME day, over and over again. In the SAME place with the SAME people who start each day with NO MEMORY of what Phil had experienced with them. Now, for a time, this reality feels like a prison and it eventually drives Phil to a breaking point.He then learns to embrace each day and each person in his new reality. He learns to love the people he is closest to, to explore their passions, to provide care for them and aid to them, and make life a little better for each of them though tomorrow may be a clean slate with no recollection of the kindness given.

People with Alzheimer's and dementia benefit from:

1) A Structured Routine

2) Familiarity of People & Place 

3) Stimulating, Long-Term Memory Activities

This daily routine can sadly become a "prison" for a caregiver... much like Phil from the Groundhog Day movie. But we can all BREAK FREE if we find the moments to help and pour into the lives of those that we serve.

I encourage you try to rewatch this movie with this perspective, and as a caregiver, strive to be like the person Phil becomes at the end of the movie...

TO EMBRACE EACH DAY WITH RENEWED SPIRIT & LOVE. PURSUE YOUR ALZHEIMER'S RESIDENT'S HEARTS AND EMBRACE WHO THEY ARE TODAY, AND THE BLESSING OF TOMORROW.

~Joe "The Alzheimer's Guy"