Country Photos Lead to the Appalachian Mountains (Joy in the Journey of Dementia)

“When you go out walking, the whole world jumps out at you if you’ll let it. I enjoy those pictures because I used to walk the Bald Mountain in eastern Tennessee. Since you like to take walks, I want to take you into the mountains and show you the ginseng and all the flowers you showed us. There are so many trails. If you took one trip to the Appalachian Mountains with me, you’d wanna come back.
What you need is a frying pan and a gun. 22. Kill you some squirrels and have yourself some squirrel dumplin’s. I hope you come visit me there and we won’t do nothin’ there but walk.”

These words were spoken to me in a private conversation by Leonard, an individual with dementia who uses a wheel chair and oxygen, after having enjoyed my nature photo show-and-tell with a group of residents in a skilled nursing facility.

So how did a set of photos lead to a new reality? The following is a breakdown of this mini “golden experience.”

How I Introduced the Experience:
“Since most of you are no longer able to get into these trails yourself and maneuver your bodies into some of the precarious positions necessary for the best views, I’m bringing them to you.”

The Showing:
I then either showcased the pictures, which served as visual cues, by holding them at eye level, one by one, to the residents or handed them to those who were capable of passing them along to their neighbors.
(The pictures are 8 ½ by 11 inch color photocopies of colorful close-ups of nature – all of which came from my cell phone camera during my country walks).

The Closing:
- I thanked each of the residents for coming and invited hugs from each resident.

Leonard’s remarks, as a result of the experience, support the concept that people with dementia have three needs:
1. Someone to love: Leonard wants to continue the experience by inviting me to join him in an experience he creates in another setting, though with similar components in it (the flowers) to affirm our commonalities and strengthen the rapport.
2. Something to do: Leonard exercises self-empowerment by serving as my instructor and guide.
3.Something to look forward to: Leonard suddenly experiences a new reality. He is no longer in the nursing home, but a resident of the Appalachian Mountains, anticipating my arrival.

May I suggest, however, that all of us need someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to.

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.