I spent a couple days filling in for an activity director at a local retirement community recently, bringing along my puppet, Emilou, for some added serendipity. What I’ve found in “her” interactions with elders is that she serves as a distancing tool for those who are cognizant, to share more openly about their feelings. For elders with dementia, she often symbolizes a loved one they want to reconnect with. I witnessed this phenomena with two different gentlemen who have symptoms of dementia. Each wanted to cradle her in his arms, reluctant to release her back to me. It was both fascinating and touching.Regardless of what elder Emilou touches, however, there is not one who does not respond without a smile. Not one.
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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.
Kareen, featured on Topeka, KS Channel 27 News “Sunflower Hero” series, performs with Emilou in a skilled nursing facility:
Kareen shares how she met the real Emilou. Video footage was taken at the 2011 Pioneer Network Conference in St. Charles, MO.
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. You may also signup for our newsletter and receive a free download.
