Imagine
Stress.
Everyone I know encounters stress, especially those who work in the field of social services. A meeting I attended last month opened with each participant sharing something — we diverged so far from the original suggestion that I can't recall where we started. As we circled the room, the last one shared that her mother recently gave her a stone with the word "Imagine" on it. The stone was accompanied with a hand-written note that said, "Rubbing this stone over the years has always helped in times of stress, planning or the need to relax. Hope it works for you. Love mom."
Imagine. I also have a stone with that word, given to me by my mother.
Reality Orientation, rather than imagination, was utilized at the convalescent center where I worked years ago. I interacted with the residents by way of the Physical Therapy (PT) Department. We saw a range of patients: one young man with paraplegia, older patients recovering from a fall or another medical episode, and some who were there for the duration, due to dementia. We cared for many patients in PT.
The young man enjoyed pranking us when visitors came through the facility. He would loudly — and dramatically — feign distress while on the tilt-table, getting the desired reaction from visitors. He thought it was funny; we took it in stride. I was happy to see his playful spirit.
Working in PT was my first experience with those who have dementia. One dear lady couldn't remember that her husband had left this world. She would talk about expecting him for dinner, and I didn't have the heart to tell her anything different. Perhaps reality orientation isn't for everyone.
Imagine: exploring creative solutions, reminiscing about the happiest times in life, or dreaming of a fanciful future. Imagination versus reality orientation isn't a bad thing, is it? I imagine it isn't.
[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]
Everyone I know encounters stress, especially those who work in the field of social services. A meeting I attended last month opened with each participant sharing something — we diverged so far from the original suggestion that I can't recall where we started. As we circled the room, the last one shared that her mother recently gave her a stone with the word "Imagine" on it. The stone was accompanied with a hand-written note that said, "Rubbing this stone over the years has always helped in times of stress, planning or the need to relax. Hope it works for you. Love mom."
Reality Orientation, rather than imagination, was utilized at the convalescent center where I worked years ago. I interacted with the residents by way of the Physical Therapy (PT) Department. We saw a range of patients: one young man with paraplegia, older patients recovering from a fall or another medical episode, and some who were there for the duration, due to dementia. We cared for many patients in PT.
The young man enjoyed pranking us when visitors came through the facility. He would loudly — and dramatically — feign distress while on the tilt-table, getting the desired reaction from visitors. He thought it was funny; we took it in stride. I was happy to see his playful spirit.
Working in PT was my first experience with those who have dementia. One dear lady couldn't remember that her husband had left this world. She would talk about expecting him for dinner, and I didn't have the heart to tell her anything different. Perhaps reality orientation isn't for everyone.
Imagine: exploring creative solutions, reminiscing about the happiest times in life, or dreaming of a fanciful future. Imagination versus reality orientation isn't a bad thing, is it? I imagine it isn't.
[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]
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