Re: day programs/singing

[Guest guest]

My dad wasn't able to talk the last 2 1/2 years of his life. Oh sometimes he

could mumble a " yes " or " no " but even that wasn't easily understood. When my

Uncle Mel (dad's oldest brother, with classic Parkinson's) visited my dad with

his guitar my dad and Uncle would sing together. Uncle Mel played the guitar,

and sometimes his mandolin, with both of them watching one another singing and

singing. It was magical, heartwarming, and priceless. Oh what precious

memories.... SandieDes Moines, IA

dad, Merle, passed from LBD 9-20-02, age 65

----- Re: day programs

Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:31:10 -0800

Singing is very good and helps keep the swallowing ability. Also when the

cement of Parkinson's makes feet not want to move etc singing a done with a

simple rhythm will help the brain work around that froze place - counting can

also help 1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and do on. We sang row your boat with my mil

so she could sing along too which helped more. On rough days she'd say " no I

don't feel like rowing " but when we sang she joined right in.

Singing became an important part of keeping her ability to swallow puréed foods

and even if she said she didn't want to sing she usually did if I sang of if it

was someone's birthday. She would always sing happy birthday.

These activities seem so simple but the really do gain a lot and my mil was

always in a better mood for them.

- Dorothy

from cell phone

> I sent (my husband) to a few. He certainly didn't hate them. I don't

> know if he loved them. But I think he found the experience entertaining.

> 's not good with his hands, but I was quite surprised to see him sing

> along (something he never does). But my main motivation was to stimulate

> him. Can't read, can't watch TV, can't maintain a satisfactory

> conversations. Loves watching changing scenery. I think loves talking about

> his seeing of the world. Olga

>

>