How An Author Helps Nursing Home Residents Relive Their Past

My brother, Eric Brende, author of "Better Off," a Harper Collins published narrative about he and his wife's 15 month stint living without electricity in an Amish-like community, came for a visit this week. It was a no-brainer to invite him to present his unique presentation for the residents at Wellsville and Brookside Retirement Communities.

Today after his presentation at Brookside, one of the residents commented on how much she enjoyed it.

"Why he was talking about the way we used to live."

And I realized the irony of the situation. Here is my brother, talking about his experience as an urban homesteader as if it were something unheard of. And all the while, the residents are probably thinking, "Been there, done that."

Nonetheless, his innovative performance which used classical piano pieces to aid in telling the story of how technology can complicate, rather than simplify our lives, was refreshing, entertaining, and inspirational. A "Golden Experience" indeed.

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Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience™, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com. Kareen's CD's which feature original songs that give voice to individuals in long-term care settings, have been used as caregiver training tools, gifts for long-term care staff and volunteers, and for personal inspiration. To hear samples and to purchase, click http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KareenKing.