Love to Move: How a Simple Activity Can Bring Joy to Adults with Dementia

At Right at Home, we believe in providing care that promotes independence, happiness, and a sense of community for our clients. One wonderful example of this is the "Love to Move" program, a community event designed to help people with dementia and similar conditions stay active, engaged, and socially connected. For Dave, caring for his wife Maureen, Love to Move became a life-changing experience.

The Beginning of the Journey

Maureen was a very shy person, someone who rarely attended social events or interacted with strangers. She had always been hesitant about meeting new people. One day, during a conversation about life and death, Maureen said to Dave, "I don't think I'd go to heaven because there'd be lots of people I wouldn’t know." Dave knew that Maureen was very shy, and he never imagined she would enjoy going to something like Love to Move.

But after hearing about the program through an organization that encouraged participation in such events, Dave decided to give it a try. The event was held just around the corner at the local Baptist church, and while Dave was unsure about how Maureen would react, he thought it might be worth a shot.

The Transformation Begins

To Dave's surprise, Maureen loved it from the very first session. While she didn’t always do the exercises, she enjoyed the music and watching others participate. She especially bonded with Rowena, who often sat next to her. They shared plenty of laughs, and Rowena said "Maureen thinks I'm totally mad.”

For Dave, the true joy came when Maureen returned home after each session. His son, who came over every Wednesday for dinner, noticed a remarkable difference in Maureen’s mood. "Mum's different after Love to Move," he observed. "She's lively. We called it 'the glow,' because it would last for a couple of days."

The Lasting Impact

Unfortunately, the glow eventually faded. After a while, Maureen’s health declined, and she was no longer able to attend the sessions. In the final weeks of her life, Maureen spent most of her time in bed. Dave provided the best care he could, despite the challenges. But even as her condition worsened, Dave would remember the joy Maureen experienced at Love to Move, and he cherished those moments of happiness.

“The last session was heartbreaking,” Dave recalls. “Maureen sat there, not knowing anything. I never took her back after that.”

However, Dave continues to hold onto the memories of those lively sessions where Maureen smiled and laughed. It was clear that Love to Move had brought something special into Maureen's life, even if only for a short time.

Caring Beyond the Activity

Dave reflects on how, in the early days of Maureen’s illness, he made the decision to care for her at home instead of sending her to a care facility. “My intention was to not let her go to a home,” he says. For two and a half years, Dave cared for Maureen on his own, navigating the ups and downs of dementia.

Looking back, Dave recalls the moments of conflict they had, such as when Maureen struggled to feed herself or was confused about what to do with food. “It breaks your heart to see someone lose their abilities,” Dave admits. Despite these difficulties, he remained patient and committed to caring for Maureen.

Throughout it all, Dave kept Maureen’s dignity intact, always being honest with her. When she first asked him what was happening with her health, he gently explained that she had Alzheimer's disease. "We’ve always been honest with each other," Dave says, noting that Maureen trusted him to care for her with compassion and respect.

Finding Joy in Small Moments

Even with the challenges, there were still moments of joy and laughter. Maureen would enjoy watching music videos, especially the ones with Brian Ferry.

 Dave would sing “You Are My Sunshine” to her every morning, and they would share a kiss after the first verse. These little rituals brought comfort to both Maureen and Dave during her final days.

As the years pass, Dave continues to cherish the time they spent together. He keeps a letter Maureen wrote him about their honeymoon, as well as a card she made for their anniversary. These small keepsakes serve as reminders of the love they shared throughout their lives.

A Supportive Community

In the midst of caring for Maureen, Dave also found support through volunteering and participating in other community activities. As a part of the Love to Move program, he also found a sense of connection with others. It’s clear that love, support, and a shared commitment to engaging with those we care for can make all the difference. Dave is still volunteering at Love to Move to this day, contributing his own glow. 

“We had a thing where we’d examine a conflict and ask ourselves why it was happening,” Dave shares. “Even in those moments, it was important to find understanding. That’s what we did.”

The Impact of Love to Move

Love to Move isn’t just about the physical activity—it’s about the social connections, the joy it brings to the participants, and the sense of community that helps people like Maureen thrive, even in the face of dementia. For Dave, watching Maureen light up at Love to Move was one of the highlights of their journey together.

While the program was a small part of Maureen’s overall care, it had a lasting impact on her happiness and well-being. For families caring for loved ones with dementia, finding activities that encourage engagement, joy, and connection can make all the difference in their quality of life. Love to Move is just one example of how even the simplest of activities can brighten someone's day.

Final Thoughts

For Dave, caring for Maureen was a journey full of ups and downs. But through it all, the Love to Move program provided a glimmer of joy that he’ll always remember. It reminded him that even in the hardest times, moments of happiness and connection are possible. And for families going through similar experiences, finding opportunities for your loved ones to engage and have fun can truly make a difference in their lives.

If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one with dementia, Right at Home is here to help. We offer home care services that prioritize independence, happiness, and connection. To learn more, visit our website or contact us today.