In late 2010, as it became increasingly difficult for my elderly mother to process new information or engage in coherent conversation, I began to explore alternative ways for the two of us to connect. Being a visual artist with a long-term interest in participatory experiences that evoke wonder and delight, I naturally turned to activities rich in the expressive arts. Mask play, theater games, mirroring exercises, music, art making, crafts, etc. all brought fresh stimulation into my mother’s day, along with surprisingly lucid moments. Qualities that had long been absent as aging took its toll re-emerged; our weekly visits became enlivening occasions full of shared discovery.
I call this approach ElderSparks because it honors the spirit that still flickers within a weakened shell. Too often in America, individuals like my mother are parked in front of TV or movie screens, babysat at Bingo, passively entertained by talented musicians and performers, or left unattended for hours in beds or wheelchairs. In a civilized society, this underserved population, which has already contributed so much, deserves better.
My hope is that ElderSparks will grow to include other similarly inspired artists who share its twofold mission: working with individuals and/or groups to engage the inner life of seniors with limited cognitive functioning, and training aides and caregivers to become willing and able accomplices.
This blog is a journal of the work as it unfolds.
space
For additional information, please contact:
Alan Goldsmith
845.765.8079
eldersparks2@gmail.com
The ElderSparks idea sounds really wonderful. I think a lot of people will be interested in your ideas including us baby boomers who may be in your mother’s shoes some day. I will also pass this along to Walter’s sister who works with retirees and the elderly. Take care, best, Lydia
Alan – check out http://www.patchadams.org/mission I think your creativity is right in line with what Patch Adams did and the Gesundheit Institute does!! Team up with them with ElderSparks…check it out and see what you think.
With much love,
Gail Lash
Atlanta, GA
Also, Alan – write a book!! It sounds like your visits with your mom could be shared much like the book, “Tuesdays with Morrie”. I’d love to read it! And others would too…!
AG I just found your blog and enjoyed reading. I volunteer in a senior home that just opened some months ago, and they are deciding on what activities would suit the residents. Your ideas are excellent. I am doctafil, author of Jive Chalkin, a comedic memoir of teaching in Montreal.
Thanks Brenda. Glad ElderSparks gave you some ideas. Your book sounds like a great read.
I didn’t realize – or more likely, I didn’t remember – :-) – that you’re in this situation. I’m pretty sure I didn’t know about this endeavor. I just finished a six week art-making program at a wonderful memory care community in Seattle. We wound it up with a nice exhibit. The Frye Museum in Seattle has grants to do a number of outreach programs, some in the museum, some in the community. It’s going very well. Check it out, and maybe connect with Mary Jane Knecht – she’s great. You can tell her I sent you if you do. http://fryemuseum.org/program/here_now
I’ll go browse the posts now.
Yes, I’ve done this for a while though I’ve been taking time off to pursue other projects the last two years. Hope to get back to it before too long. Last fall I met someone locally who was involved in the Frye program you mention.
So nice to see your thoughtful 2018 post!