Andrea’s Book: “My Grandma Sings…”
For four years Andrea and I worked alongside each other in a long-term care home in the GTA. I remember fondly how we would discuss the therapeutic value and benefits of community art making and art therapy programming within the LTC setting. It was wonderful to connect with such a supportive care-team ally, and I appreciate the compassionate lens that informed her art therapy referrals. I am very excited Andrea is sharing the story of her self-published book that has been such a labour of love.
My Grandma Sings: A Journey Through Dementia to Long-Term Care:
This is a memoir of my personal and professional experiences working with seniors and their families. As a social worker I've worked with individuals with both physical and cognitive impairments in both the community and various long-term care settings. Although lots of supports exist for primary caregivers, little time is geared towards helping children make sense of what is happening. Children are expected to go along with the process and their observations, fears, and anxieties unintentionally ignored.
Book Credit: '“My Grandma Sings: A Journey Through Dementia to Long-Term Care” • Author Andrea Fray-Bowen.
Parents often say they will explain everything later, as they try to maintain their own health and sanity in the midst of never ending caregiver duties.
Children are sometimes the first to recognize that things are not as they should be. This book was designed to shed light on why long term care or home supports are needed when a loved one is diagnosed with Dementia. It is a glimpse into what families may experience and one viable solution to keep their loved ones safe.
Book Credit: '“My Grandma Sings: A Journey Through Dementia to Long-Term Care” • Author Andrea Fray-Bowen.
It is an effort to acknowledge that quality care facilities do exist and serve a purpose. It highlights the loving bond between a grandparent and child, while promoting the value and need for more intergenerational programs. We as a society have so much to learn from our elders. Cherish them when they are here. My wish is for all seniors to be happy and safe and most of all age with dignity and grace.
Book Credit: “My Grandma Sings: A Journey Through Dementia to Long-Term Care” • Author Andrea Fray-Bowen.
Thank you April for the invitation to share this with your readers. I am a big supporter of art, music, and recreational therapy that truly enhance the psych-social health and well-being of seniors. I always said if I generated enough funds I would donate to Regional arts programs to keep intergenerational programs alive and touch the lives of more seniors.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has changed the way programs and services are delivered. Although there are other options thanks to social media it cannot replace the power of human touch or captivate our senses in the same way.
Take good care of yourselves and your loved ones. We never know how long we have on this earth. We have to make every second count.
- Andrea
Andrea’s Book Information:
My Grandma Sings: A Journey Through Dementia to Long-Term Care • Andrea E Fray (Author) • June 27 2020 • Available for purchase on Amazon.ca and Bookshop.org.