The Positive Side of Dementia – Alzheimer’s

I know this might be sacrilege in some circles to say such a thing – and trust me, as the caregiver for my dad who has Alzheimer’s  for many years, I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy. However, I’m wondering how often it’s acknowledged that there might be some positive things that comes out of it, or that it’s possible to grow as a human being with this disease. Do you know of any individuals – organizations that are focusing on this? Do you address this at all in your organization?

Here are some positive things that I’ve seen with my dad, particularly in the past three years as his condition has progressed to and advanced stage:

1. He lives in his heart most of the time – this wasn’t the case before.
2. He lives entirely in the moment – people go off to monasteries of the Himalayas to try to do this and he is more present than just about anyone I’ve met.
3. He’s let go of the negative experiences of his past because he can’t remember them.
4. He’s grown more in the last three years than the rest of his life.
5. A deep spirituality has emerged – not from anything he’s read or been told but organically. That wasn’t there before.
6. He’s more authentic – in a way he seems to have gone back to the way he was as a young child.
7. In my whole life, he never told me that he loves me. For the past several years, he says it every time we talk and he means it.

I appreciate that everyone’s experience is different and that some people go into a very negative place with this disease. With my dad I’ve seen what is possible and am curious what your experience is and your how your business incorporates this into its offerings.

Steve Wolk – Senior Living Leadership Facebook page
(reprinted with permission 2019)