The Rx is YOU!
Kathleen Downey
![Kathleen Downey]()
Kathleen Downey
Dementia Consultant/Coach specializing in Memory Care Centers, Conference Facilitator, Memory Care Trainer, Engagement Consultant, Speaker, Author, Music and Movement Therapist, Retreat Facilitator
"Compassion...it's like a great rock, immovable in the midst of confusion, misery and anxiety. Without this compassion no new culture or society can come into being. Compassion is the essence of the wholeness of life." J. Krishnamurti
After witnessing thousands of men and women suffering with Alzheimer's disease switch from a depressed and apathetic state to a joyous and emotive one within minutes, I became addicted to allowing it to happen again and again. I began this habit in 2001.
It seemed as if they were given a pill to make them happy, animated and connected. When in fact, what they were given was an opportunity to connect, sing, emote and celebrate the moment with someone who was happy to be there with them...that would be me...or you. I became their guru, so to speak and it was their own adulations that gave me that momentary stature.
The prescription is simple: sing, move and connect with each person on a compassionate level. It is said the eyes are the window of the soul. This is, I think, a profound, yet forgotten truth. I know from experience that this is can be an immediate remedy for communicating and connecting with a person with Alzheimer's disease.
First, I look deeply and lovingly into their eyes. I acknowledge their presence, their spirit, their very being. This simple, altruistic gesture creates a marked change in a person's ability to connect - with me, those around them and most importantly with themselves.
For the most part, people who were initially fearful, bored or agitated will respond by smiling and looking deeply at me. Some people will begin to relax their clenched hands. Tense faces, clenched jaws, and furrowed brows will soften and brightness comes back into their eyes. Their countenance is transformed. Often, they will share a word, a story or whatever is on their minds. More importantly they have found themselves through you.
Never underestimate the power within you to touch others in a "healing" way with your presence. Human connection, I believe is one of the most important remedies for people who feel isolated, afraid and depressed from this horrific disease.
Because of you, they can experience love, joy and compassion again and again and again. The Rx is YOU!
Customer Service Associate at Walgreens with expertise in geriatrics and customer care
10 年Such a touching and uplifting story.We all need to connect to others more.It seems to be trending to detach ourselves from others or situations ;rather than immerse ourselves where you can derive joy and self fulfillment from making a difference in peoples lives.The Rx has always been us.
Coordinator, Gerontology Program and Associate Professor of Social Work at Winthrop University
10 年We can do so much good with compassion and kindness. Thank you for this piece.
Teaching Artist, Award-Winning Author, Keynote Speaker, App Designer
10 年Thank you Kathleen Downey and Janine Ray. We know these things to be true; bringing respect and *life* makes the world go 'round more smoothly for everyone. Music, stories, and photographs are blessings for all in the circle of care.