Woman Beautifully Sings 'I Will Always Love You' to Grandmother with Dementia
Caring for family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be extremely difficult, both physically and emotionally.
The brain disorder makes it hard for patients to think clearly, communicate, and take care of themselves. What makes things even harder is that they will start losing memories, both short- and long-term. Their personality and behavior also change, and there is little we can do to get our family member back to the person they once were.
Watching my uncle slowly progress through the stages of dementia has been heartbreaking, especially knowing that there is nothing I can do. Sometimes the best thing to do is smile and remember all the memories we shared together while I was growing up.
The Family Caregiver Alliance suggests that when we are communicating with a dementia patient, it is important to respond to our loved one with affection and reassurance and be sure to maintain our sense of humor.
Setting a positive mood with your attitude and body language can also help the conversation flow.
One of the ways to do this is through music. According to a study posted by Alzheimers.net, music can evoke emotions that can bring back some memories in dementia patients.
Singing, in particular, engages more than just the part of the brain that stimulates listening by sparking activity in the visual areas of the brain as well.
One granddaughter found this when she began to sing for her grandmother.
In her beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” both granddaughter and grandmother had trouble fighting back tears.
“It’s going to be lovely, and I can’t wait,” the grandmother said after her granddaughter told her she was going to sing.
The granddaughter’s melodic voice quickly captivated her grandmother’s attention, and it’s hard not to tear up at the sweet interaction.
It’s clear that both of these women treasure these special bonding moments as the grandmother repeats, “I love you,” while her granddaughter sings.
She finishes her song with a kiss. I hope that these two continue to share sweet memories like this one that the granddaughter can cherish forever.
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