Speaker: Laura Roberts, Community Liaison, Fort Colins CO
Tell us about someone you love who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Laura Roberts: I think about all of the clients that I've worked with that have been impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia, and not only the client themselves, but their families and how impacted the families were and how meaningful it was when during a music engagement, their loved one was able to Use their voice to sing, or use their feet to tap along in rhythm to the music, and how overjoyed the family members were when they saw this positive response to the music. And I think my heart always goes out to those families and those little moments and hope that they're able to cherish those moments for the rest of their lives as a positive experience during the last days or years with their family member.
What is one memory of them that always makes you smile?
Laura Roberts: A memory that always makes me smile, working with one client who was living with dementia during a music, engagement class, and she stood up with her walker and started dancing along in rhythm to the music, and she was having such a great time, and she was dancing around the room to the other clients in the space and came along to me, stood in front of me. And was still dancing and had such. The most genuine smile, and I smiled back with her in, just a genuine way as well, and she thought it was so funny. She laughed and her dentures flew out of her mouth. And we just laughed and laughed together, and I think just having that moment of being a real human. Connecting with another human in music and humor and laughter will always bring a smile to my face.
What do you wish more people understood about Alzheimer’s disease?
Laura Roberts: I wish people knew that while Alzheimer's and dementia can be Life changing and heartbreaking and devastating, there can still be moments of joy and connection, and it doesn't necessarily mean the end. It, it just means a change in the relationship. So, old ways of connecting with a person may look very different, but there are still ways to To connect with the person that you love.
Have you ever experienced a moment when music helped reconnect a memory or relationship?
Laura Roberts: I love how music can bring people together in a way that their relationship is meant to be together. So, instead of a husband caring for his wife, when they sit down together and enjoy music, they can be husband and wife and not caregiver and care receiver. I love to see families connect, by singing a song together, even a simple song. And making eye contact and smiling and holding hands together. Those moments of real connection, are so meaningful and can be so easily. Possible through music.
What advice would you give someone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s today?
Laura Roberts: If you're providing care to someone living with Alzheimer's or dementia, I would say my biggest advice to you is to take care of yourself, to take time to do something that fills your cup, because caring for your loved one is a 24/7 job, and, and you really need to fulfill yourself so that you can best support them.
