Lloyd was a force of nature. Once a brilliant engineer, he'd always been a man of action and a problem-solver. But now, moved to the dementia care wing in a care facility, his energy could be better directed. Often bored and frustrated, he’d become unsettled, constantly demanding attention and causing disruptions.
His family, worried and exhausted, turned to A Friend Indeed. They hoped to find someone to engage Lloyd, channel his energy, and bring him a sense of purpose and direction. Enter Friend Anita, a patient and creative woman with a knack for connecting with people. She quickly realized that Lloyd needed mental stimulation and a sense of purpose. She remembered his past as an engineer, someone who excelled at solving complex problems and designing intricate structures. A spark ignited! On her next visit, Friend Anita brought origami paper and simple folding instructions that she practiced ahead of time. She invited Lloyd to the table in a common area of his unit. At first, Lloyd was skeptical about this project she presented, but as he followed her lead, one step at a time, he began to fold the paper, and a familiar sense of satisfaction washed over him. It was like solving a puzzle, a challenge that required precision, patience and purpose! Performing the steps over and over together with his Friend, Lloyd's skills improved and he found great satisfaction in the whole process. Their project caught the attention of passersby who came to investigate. Other residents complimented and asked if he could make one for them! “Absolutely, I can!” He found joy in the process, the tangible results, and to top it off the opportunity to gift someone who was entertained by him. Lloyd, once a source of frustration, became a source of inspiration. He was no longer just a noisy resident but a teacher and mentor. His mind was sharp, his spirit lifted, and the unit was more peaceful. Friend Anita's simple act of kindness transformed Lloyd’s life. She had given him a purpose, a hobby, and a newfound sense of community. And in doing so, she also brought peace to the unit and relief to his family |
AuthorRobyn Pearson Archives
February 2025
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Serving Locations
Airdrie Calgary Didsbury Cochrane Red Deer Head Office
Airdrie, AB (403) 980-0199 |
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