From the moment a guest and their caregiver walk in the door at EDDC (fondly called, “The Haven”), there is a bright and cheery greeting by a staff member or volunteer. “Good morning, John, it is so good to see you. Welcome! My name is Debbie.” I have found that this greeting is best accompanied by direct eye contact and is usually followed by the grasping of both hands as a gesture of welcome and warmth. Oftentimes we ask if we can give a hug. This ritual is usually genuinely repeated the same each time, just in case the guest cannot recall our names. There are then introductions to the other volunteers and guests, as each one arrives.
Prior to engaging in the activities for the day, we sit down for coffee, tea and snacks, and chat with each other, just like in a family setting. I see such beauty and value in this process. Volunteers are connecting with guests, and guests are connecting with each other. Individual needs and preferences are always respected. Some of our guests love to chat, others listen, taking it all in. Some tell jokes or recall a funny story. The other day, I thought we were all going to split a gut because something someone said had us all laughing so hard! This type of “social connection” for the person with dementia (PWD) is so absolutely needed. A place like EDDC fosters this. We strive to be a community where the social component is one of our top priorities each day.
Even if names cannot always be remembered from day to day when a guest joins us, soon after time the familiarity sets in and the “feeling” of being with that person or that group of people is sparked. Our core values at EDDC are compassion, joy, dignity, and safety. We could have easily added the words welcome and community because that is truly a part of our DNA as an organization.
Research consistently underscores that social engagement is a critical element of dementia care, serving as a non-pharmacological approach to improving quality of life, preserving function, and boosting emotional well-being. The brain thrives on interaction. Engaging in conversations (even when speech is limited), games, and storytelling helps keep the brain active, which can potentially slow down cognitive decline and help maintain memory skills.
Dementia can be an isolating experience, leading to loneliness, anxiety and depression. Socialization acts as a natural antidepressant by stimulating the release of mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin (this is not to say that antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds are not needed; such is a decision to be made by one’s medical practitioner) but the social connection certainly helps!
One of our families bears witness to this through the following testimonial. Patty shares the impact that EDDC has had on her husband these past few months…
“My husband has been attending Estes Dementia Day Center two times a week since June of this year. These two days are the very best days of his week. On these mornings he gets right out of bed, into the shower, dresses, then rushes to the car waiting for me to drive him to “see his friends.” When we arrive at The Haven, not just one but many staff welcome my husband, making him feel very special and happy to be starting his day with them. This makes me feel so blessed that I am leaving him to know he is happy and content. He is a storyteller and the staff at EDDC engage him in telling his stories. He has had a long eventful life and is proud to tell others about it. The time I am away from my husband gives me the break that I need to regenerate and be a better wife and caretaker for him on the days he is home with me. I am so appreciative that there are people and a place that is so welcoming and caring for my husband who is living with Dementia.”
It is truly our joy and honor to be a small part of bringing hope for the journey by providing social connection to those living with dementia, and their families.
debbie@estesdementiadaycenter.org
