... for senior care
Thank you letter
As we approach the season of peace and joy, I am struck by a group of people I see daily quietly going about perpetuating those very things.
The copy machine for the Juneau Senior Center is located in the area known as "The Bridge." It was the only space available. So I make many trips into this area each day. As time has passed, I have learned that here people who may be in dementia or have Alzheimer's disease, or are just elderly and alone during the day, are given such joy and peace in their care that there is no way it cannot affect them.
There are six dedicated ladies working every day to keep these folks' dignity, help stimulate their minds and make them laugh. They are so patient no matter what happens. They make situations, where others would throw their hands up in dismay, seem commonplace and easy to handle. They never "lose it." The nurse keeps track of their health problems and they even use a light to help those with SAD. Games and singing take up a lot of their time. Laughter rings out, loudly and often. The smell of baking bread is frequent, driving all of us crazy.
I do not work in or for The Bridge Adult Day Care, but if I get to the point when I can no longer be cognizant of what's going on in my world, I pray The Bridge is still here, for me!
Ellen Northup,
Juneau Senior Center site manager