Reliving the Good Times

Time with a loved one restricted to window visits presents quite a challenge for most of us. Along with straining to hear through glass, our loved ones are having a time understanding the reasoning behind not being able to receive our hugs. All these complications may fill us with a bit of dread for how visits will go.

Here is an idea that just might coax a happy memory from your loved one: If your love one is residing in a care facility, take a few minutes before departing from home to select a few photos that your loved one might enjoy. To scan the pictures, magnifying them a bit, might be helpful.

Here is a suggestion: As you introduce the first photo, you might say something like, “Bob, remember that Christmas when we made snow cream? Mom surely did know how to make it good, didn’t she! We went out early right after that snowfall to gather the fresh snow to make the cream. Boy, it surely did snow that year, didn’t it!” (Hopefully, your loved one may smile. If he nods in agreement, that’s also a winner.) You might also say, “Those galoshes we wore were so heavy, weren’t they! Remember our sled?” (Perhaps your loved one may describe where you sledded.)

So essentially, you are building a story that your loved one may possibly add to.

Now, what if your loved one is unable to speak. If that’s how it is, you are in charge of telling and even perhaps embellishing the story (making it more fun!). If you gain a smile from your loved one, then mission accomplished – you have made the day more special!

As I remember the times with my mother, especially after she became unable to speak anymore, she seemed to love just being near us family members as we talked.

If you can find a picture that pokes a bit of fun at yourself or another sibling, all the better. And of course, keep in mind that pictures from earlier days may be more easily recognized.