Helping Kids Connect with Loved Ones Living with Dementia
As a child, Dementia Campus music therapist Amanda Marcum was not aware that her beloved granny had dementia.
Amanda Marcum grew up with one official sibling — her brother. But she always felt like she had another sibling who she adored hanging out with — her beloved Granny Oopie. “We played together. She just was in the moment and more lighthearted than a lot of other adults I knew. She wasn't telling me what to do. She was more coexisting with me.” Amanda, a music therapist at the Dementia Care and Education Campus, breaks into a huge smile remembering the sassy, fun grandparent who, unbeknownst to her, her beloved grandma had dementia, which Amanda’s parents described as “confusion.” “We had to do some things a little differently with Granny, like keep her calm. Even as a kid I was very aware that we didn't want her to be upset because she was harder to soothe than other people.”
Helping kids, teens and their parents understand more about dementia is the goal of Camp Connect-the-Dots happening on campus this month. Featuring therapeutic activities that are age-appropriate and a breakout group for the grown-ups, the event is designed to help each member of the family understand the issues and feelings that can come up when a loved one is living with dementia. There will also be a balloon artist and face painter to make sure the kids have plenty of fun, as well as receive support.
Of course, Amanda will be there sharing songs that foster togetherness. She says she knows firsthand, thanks to Granny, that kids can deeply connect with loved ones with dementia. At Camp Connect-the-Dots, they’ll learn how music and other techniques can build beautiful bonds and bring joy. She feels it’s a kind of homage to her Granny Oopie. ”What an honor to work with other people with dementia and I know that I'm making her proud.”
Camp Connect-the-Dots is offered at no charge at our beautiful Arcadia campus on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 am.-2 p.m. It’s part of our deep passion to help people live well with dementia. For questions or to register, events.3@dementiacampus.org or call (602) 767-8300.