What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Creative Engagement Specialist
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about the disease. It inspired me to want to work in memory care, specifically to support people with dementia as well as their family and friends.
How has your job changed in the time you’ve worked at Aging Wisdom?
Although my duties remain the same, I have met so many new clients and had to broaden my knowledge of different kinds of dementia besides Alzheimer’s. I’ve also had to broaden my knowledge of many subjects from classical music to fishing! so that I’m able to tailor engagement to the many different individuals I see.
What do you love about your job?
I love researching ideas to help me connect with clients. I end up borrowing books from the library quite often that I think might be of interest to the client or that will help me understand my client’s interests better. Moments of someone living with dementia light up talking about their passions or singing lyrics to a song they remember from their past, is a wonderful feeling for me.
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.
I took a client to the Wild Lanterns show at the Woodland Park Zoo during the holidays. It required more planning than a usual visit being in the evening and colder temperatures for an outdoor visit. I bundled up my client with gloves and a blanket over her lap in the wheelchair. I paid close attention to what she was responding to so that I could slow down for a display that really excited her or go a little quicker by displays that were of less interest. I didn’t want her to miss anything but also didn’t want to tire her out too much. It ended up being a magical experience, I had never seen her so happy and engaged.
What motivates you?
I would love to live in a more dementia friendly society where there is much more awareness of the various diseases that cause dementia. There is so much fear in even discussing the subject and so much negativity surrounding it. I love being involved in a job that takes a positive approach to living with dementia. We focus on art, music, nature, joy and humor; things that everyone aspires to enjoying in life, with or without dementia.
