Excerpts from Florence's questions

Michael and Diana's response elements

In her life story, we read that Mrs. Henderson likes animals, but with the zootherapist, she tried to throw the cat out, said the dog was a rat, and named the rabbit "Jesus Bunny" while laughing. What does that mean to you?

At the farm, cats would only live outside and in the barns. Mrs. Henderson never liked small breeds of dogs and used to call them rats. She had an overwhelming love for Bernese Mountain Dogs. "Jesus Bunny" is a family story: every Easter Sunday, children could choose a rabbit that would not be killed to be eaten. For Mrs. Henderson, rabbits were food, not pets.

Strategy: Diana and sometimes Michael can come with the family's dog Fudge, to pet and walk him with Mrs. Henderson.

During the meals, Mrs. Henderson likes to help serve and clear the dishes. She also insists that residents hurry and finish their food.

This was her way of doing things during every meal, from breakfast to dinner. She served, helped the little ones eat, and demanded that we finish our food.

Strategy: Find tasks for Mrs. Henderson to do until she sits down and eats by herself. Thanking and encouraging her without giving orders.

In her life story, we read that Mrs. Henderson went to church every Sunday. At Mass in the nursing home, she did not seem to appreciate the priest's sermon, and repeatedly asked him if he could sing.

Mrs. Henderson always said that when her children Steven and Susan died, she lost her faith. She used to go to Mass just to sing in the choir. Diana accompanied her, but just to be with her. Diana is not a believer and does not like to sing.

Strategy: Play Mrs. Henderson choir CDs to listen and sing with her. This could be a good diversion strategy.

For her personal hygiene, we read that Mrs. Henderson liked to shower early every morning when she was living at home. But now, she often refuses to shower in the morning. Why do you think that is?

When she was in her thirties, she did not have the time to shower in the morning; there were too many things to do for the family members and farm animals. She took her shower in the evening, after dinner or before going to the library or the church choir.

Strategy: Propose the shower after dinner.

We have observed that Mrs. Henderson is very interested in books and has several poetry books in her room. Is this one of her hobbies?

Mrs. Henderson always liked to read books and poetry. She said it came from her mother, who was a school teacher. She had started studying to become a librarian before she got married. Mrs. Henderson started the village library and always looked after it. She was very proud that people called it "Barbara's library."

Strategy: Diana will find a bookcase for Mrs. Henderson's room. She will also bring books, material for covering and labelling the books, and old borrowing and library membership cards. This could be a good way to occupy and divert Mrs. Henderson.

When Mrs. Henderson sees flowers or plants, she seems to be very interested in gardening. Is that also one of her hobbies?

Mrs. Henderson always liked flowers and the vegetable garden. She always pretended to be the best in the village!

Strategies: Put some plants and herbs in her room. Diana will help her take care of them. Ask the volunteers who take care of the plants around the nursing home to include Mrs. Henderson.

Finally, in the evening, Mrs. Henderson seems anxious about her children and asks to go back home to care for them. We will use Validation^® techniques. Can you give us some things that could soothe her?

Two evenings per week, Mrs. Henderson ran the village library with Diana. Her husband Robert and their daughter Paula took care of the children, and they had a lot of fun together. It was a special time for the children.

Strategies: Telling Mrs. Henderson that her children are with Robert and that they are "probably burning everything on the grill and guzzling ice cream and popcorn while watching TV." That would probably soothe her and might even make her laugh.

Four times per week, Diana could come after dinner and stay with her sister. The team will propose to Mrs. Henderson to take care of a therapeutic doll.