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Art helps battle dementia
It has been said that Alzheimer’s locks the doors and the exits. There is no reprieve, no escape.
Rose Rautenberg knows this feeling well.
A former world traveler, model and painter, Rose was passionate about her art before the chronic neurodegenerative disease called Alzheimer’s impaired her memory and ability.
Now, almost 89 and unable to paint due to poor health, the scenes Rose captured on canvass when she was younger may help unlock the mystery of the disease that is stealing her independence in her golden years.
A resident of Carveth Care Centre for the past seven years, Rose’s family recently donated several paintings to fund Alzheimer’s research.
The artwork is on display at the home this January in a silent auction in the East Wing. Winning bids will be announced at the home’s Walk for Memories at 10:30 am on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
Proceeds from the auction will be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.
“Carveth Care Centre has been a strong supporter of dementia research, education, service and advocacy for years,” says Shannon Buell, Activity Director. “We want to find a find a cure for this terrible disease and help people such as Rose.”
Proud of her aunt who used to play the accordion, Carol Lindenblatt smiles as she talks about Rose and her contributions to the art community.
“She loved her paintings,” says Carol softly. “She did a lot of art shows in Windsor and had a lot of regular customers.”
Committed to supporting the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Rose and her family are important members of the Carveth community which values the health of Canadians.
Considered a global health crisis, more than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Worldwide, at least 44 million people are living with dementia—more than the total population of Canada.
According to experts, caring for a person with Alzhimer's can be frustrating and difficult. But it can also be rewarding. Solving problems and becoming confident in knowing how to give care can provide you with a greast sense of satisifaction.
Here are a few tips:
- Keeping a routine can help people with dementia to do things on their own.
- People with dementia can sometimes have difficulty doing everyday tasks, and that’s why it’s important to keep safety top of mind.
- We all want to look good and feel good. People with Alzheimer's disease may need more help as time goes on.
- People with dementia may experience different risks and comfort levels with driving and transportation.
- Living one day at a time, doing the things you enjoy and the things that bring you meaning, and fulfillment, are just some of the ways to live with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Sleep disturbances are common with Alzheimer’s disease and they impact both the person with the disease and the caregiver.
- Healthy eating is important for all of us. Sharing meal times with family and friends can provide structure to the day and increase the enjoyment of food.
For more informatoin about dementia, please go to www.alzheimer.ca