The
PALS Project: People with Alzheimer's Link with Students
This
project introduced grade six students from Queen Elizabeth
School in Moncton, NB to Alzheimer's disease.
- The
project began with a presentation on Alzheimer's disease
(for which parental consent was obtained).
- Each
student was matched with a resident in a local long-term
care facility according to personal interests and background
information.
- The
students wrote an introductory letter to their "PenPal" in
the fall with an exchange of photos.
- Christmas
cards were exchanged and students visited for some
caroling and a luncheon.
- Valentine's
Day, Saint Patrick's Day and Easter brought more letter/card
exchanges.
- The
project ended with a picnic and final letter exchange.
This
project clearly demystified Alzheimer's disease and the
perception of people with dementias. Also some students
experienced an end of life journey with a PenPal and
his/her family. Others who had already experienced losing
someone to Alzheimer's disease were given an opportunity
to share or discuss personal events from a different
perspective.
Parents
were extremely committed to the project and strongly
supported their children's involvement with the PALS
Project.
We
invited these students to submit writings and pieces
of artwork to Creative Space. We thank them
for sharing their thoughts and feelings here.
The
Mirror by Brendan Wallace
Stolen by
Nick Law
Untitled by C.J.
Still
My Grandpa by Claudia Campbell
My new friend by
Amanda N.
Alzheimer's The
Dreaded Disease by Alyssa Wolfe
Untitled by
Mandy Gilbert
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