End Stage Dementia & Music Therapy - Spoon Full of Sugar

Janelle Johnson working with Mom for her Validation Certification. Mom has been in her end stages for 4 years now. April 2013

[@scetch2006]

My mom is almost 91 yrs old and in the last stages of dementia and life. I remember my first true warning sign with mom was many years ago. My mom always loved playing the game Yahtzee. She played it for years. One day we asked her if she'd like to play. She replied, Yahtzee? What's that? How do you play? Mom has forgotten us all and is pretty much non verbal at this point. She always loved to sing. She had such a beautiful voice. When the talking became less and less mom would just hum and sing. That has now gone away as well. She's been in a memory care facility for a while now. Most of the time we just sit with her. Play music in the background. Hold her hand. Kiss her on the forehead...She was and still is an amazing woman. I will miss her greatly.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

It sounds like you are doing all the right things for your Mother. Know that even if she can't say your name or talk at all, by you being with her she feels your love and comfort. You are giving her quality of life even in the end stages. I've learned over the years, they can hear take in what is going on even when that numb state appears. Know you are more than name. You are the essence of love, comfort, safety, and joy. and that doesn't go away when you stay with them.

[@scetch2006]

@@AlzheimersSpeaks Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ She passed last Thursday. She’s at peace now 😊

[@bettytorreyson4002]

My mother has dementia. I never dreamed this would happen to my parent. It's gut wrenching. I miss my beautiful mother so much even though she is still alive.😢

[@mariannecohen7675]

My mom has alzheimers and I feel the same as you do. I come home after seeing her and just cry. I used to speak to my mom everyday and now communicating is very hard. Stay strong xxx

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

Wrapping you in prayers

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

Sending prayers.

[@TheQueenie1965]

When I was 16 I worked as a nurse’s aide in a nursing home - and one of the residents with dementia could be pretty combative when it came time to get her into bed for the evening… but once I heard her humming tune of “oh what a beautiful morning , oh what a beautiful day”…I started singing that to her whenever she was in an agitated state and she instantly would start smiling and adding her own last two verses… and lots of time R rated verses… pretty humorous- loved her wit.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

I love to hear that! Thanks for sharing.

[@MrMediaTN]

oh my gosh this just breaks my heart.. I lost my mom 5 years ago to this horrible disease..and I too used to play my guitar and banjo and sing to her as did my siblings...100% of the time she perked up when she heard music. God bless yall!

[@SilverMusik333]

I played piano and sang for my Mom through many years of Alzheimers. It really helped us to be together in a close way. She died a few years ago.

[@skelter1153]

She's definitely a trained singer that's for sure. She stayed in key and rythm the entire time. Very Nice.

[@andrewmackay1515]

So sad, just like my wife is going through at the moment. Yes she has end stage Dementia.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

Andrew I have found these short clips of my mother extremely joy filled especially since she has passed. They really calm my heart as I can see she is happy and still connected on a whole different level even when it does last long, it still happened. Take care

[@armybeef68]

Man, if I ever get to be that age and they try to use music therapy on me, you better stand back, i grew up in the 80's, it's going to be a lot of Motley, Crue Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Dokken, Beastie Boys. And come to think of it, that would actually be really funny, can you imagine that, a feeble old man just sitting there in his chair, seemingly unaware of everything going on around him, you put on Motley Crue and he starts head banging and throwing up the devil horns. That's going to be me.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

It is important to play the persons music for sure.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

So glad you liked the video. Music is so powerful!

[@Andy-rp3dv]

beautiful, love Andy

[@A-Light-from-Heaven_]

the man born to suffer , and the spark born to fly .

[@NikoTheDunn]

My heart Lord. 😢💔💔💔🙏🏽ive had 4 client's die on me, 2 waited until i left, 1 while I was there, n 1 in the hospital. 😢 Forever my babies. 😢

[@alancornelius1ghf]

Nice video.God bless.

[@nikitamckeever5403]

The worst affliction a person can have . I pray for these people

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

It is a difficult disease but I guess I was lucky to find a deeper connection with my mother through the progression.

[@janetfishwick8887]

Dear Lord. What a tragic mind to be in. Existing, unaware and joyless. Waiting for it all to end. And none of them up know when.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

Yes I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone, but it does allow us an opportunity to learn to communicate in different ways, slow down and truly notice notice what gives someone joy and appreciating the simple things; which in turns helps release the stress the care partners feel from dementia when they witness even short moments joy.

[@maryemclea6436]

thanks

[@chadwick283]

🙏🙏🙏

[@heartofoak45]

I am not looking forward to the next four or five years as my younger brother, at 74, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. To add to his burden, six months ago, he suffered a spinal stroke and is paralised from the waist down.

[@CharlotteMcDonald-w9k]

I know I probably can’t help much, but I wish you and your family support.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

Thank you for sharing. You feelings are important to acknowledge. Wrapping you and your brother in love and prayers.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

Your welcome Mary.

[@TheTommy83180]

Like

[@skelter1153]

You gotta watch those hands they can and will pop you on the nose if you say or sing something they don't like.

[@AlzheimersSpeaks]

yes that can happen!

[@missk1942]

The Woman cannot consent , I don't think she should be filmed .Although I applaud your efforts to confront her.

[@nathan6460]

Did she consent to move in to the nursing home?