Makes you wonder about some of the older folks who don't appear to be quite all there
You're right. We have this conversation a lot here at home. What is REALLY going on inside? Is there more happening than appears? Are the limitations due to aphasia rather than real loss of connections? Being trapped in a body that no longer responds is a terrifying concept.
I had a voice coach whose mother, also a musician, had severe Alzheimers- it had reached the point she seemed not recognize anyone or anything. My coach went to visit her mother-- I think they were thinking nursing home placement as her dad was trying to take care of her and it was getting overwhelming-- and said they were just sitting there, not relating in any way, she was just talking the way you do to fill up space, feeling terribly alone and sad, when she brought up some favorite composition and her mother began to hum it. And so Kathleen began to sing, and together they sang the whole piece. Her mom just came to life, remembering every note and word.
And then it was over, and her mom was gone again.
As you said, something triggers these responses-- but why? And what does it mean?
I may sound a little serious for me but it's because we wonder how long my mother-in-law can care for her husband that we worry about this. It is very poignant when those moments of contact occur. As long as they do, I don't think she will be able to consider a nursing home. |
