It was our daughter's mother-in-law's birthday so we drove up to see her and to wish her a happy birthday. This is another resident who is a spark plug whatever her age may be. Her name is Betty and she took a liking to our granddaughter. We kind of wondered if, "Grandmother" might be getting a little perturbed since Betty was carrying on a conversation with Chloe. Betty, like many people her age is suffering from some form of dementia. She asked Chloe how old she was and what grade she would be in numerous times. We are proud of our little girl because she never got upset having to answer the same questions over and over. But you know, in spite of her handicap, Betty has the sweetest disposition and was a joy watching her interact with Chole.
Without a doubt in my mind, Chloe touched something in Betty's all-but-forgotten past, and brightened her day immeasurably! Chloe is obviously a caring child who understands on some level that Betty needs a friend. Imagine what this encounter has also shaped Chloe as a human being. You pictured something wonderful happening here!
@Weezilou - Thank you Louise! We saw a young lady bring in one of those service dogs for the residents to interact with. I wonder how many of the residents don't have people or family come and visit them regularly? It was amazing as we walked through the main area where some of the residents congregate and sit and talk, how many of them lit up when they saw Chloe and how they made a big fuss over her.
@skipt07 Absolutely! It was eye-opening for me the brief time I went to the nursing home after my injury in May. Ken thought we'd carefully selected a spot to transfer to from the hospital, but "being of sound mind", I could see so many ways even the best places might come up short. I left feeling that I'd really like to be an advocate for the people in nursing homes. (I was visited by a therapy dog while in the hospital & have two friends who've trained their dogs for therapy care. They're just wonderful!)
This is lovely, Skip. They give the impression they've known each other a long time! When our church went to the retirement home recently to throw a party, one of my life group partners danced with many of the ladies. I don't know why, but one lady almost made me burst into tears as she danced with my friend. Perhaps it was the feeling of loneliness. I wish we could do better for our seniors.
@danette - I know what you mean. The nursing home this was taken in is really great. No unpleasant odors, the staff members we have seen all seem to love what they are doing. The nurse that takes care of our daughter's mother-in-law is unbelievable. But I know not all homes are the equal. When my mother's health was really declining my sister took it upon herself to look into the ones in the area. Some of them she never talked to anybody. The odors hit her as soon as she walked through the door. She just turned and walked out.
