Easter Seals Disability Services

A Happy Soul

With a glowing smile and an energetic voice Ruth, 88, stood in the front of the board room and introduced herself to the group of Easter Seals Board Members. Ruth explained that she and her sister run a fabulous dance school in St. Louis. She would be delighted to give any of the board or their families lessons. Everyone cheerfully thanked her and then the activity coordinator gently accompanied Ruth out of the board room and back downstairs for cooking time.  

Ilene, Ruth’s niece, stood up to address the room as Ruth left. “Ruth has Alzheimer's disease and has not taught dance classes in years, but as you can see she still thinks she is teaching.”

When Ilene’s mother passed away, with whom Ruth had lived with, Ilene brought Ruth to Silver Spring to live with her.  Ilene stumbled upon Easter Seals at an open house and now raves about her fabulous find.  “I can’t think of a better place for a person to have to participate.” Ilene said.

Additionally, Ruth has hypertension and the Easter Seals nurse on duty is able to check on her and calls Ilene if there are any changes or problems.  “At Easter Seals, you are not just dealing with staff, but with friends and family.” Ilene stated with passion.

Ilene expressed how flexible the staff has been with her hectic scheduling and raves about the stimulating days Ruth has at Easter Seals. Her days include playing the piano and engaging in intergenerational activities. 

“She may only remember her experiences for a few minutes but for those few minutes she is a very happy soul and those few minutes added here and there are what makes all the difference.”

To find out more about services provided for older adults suffering from disabilities like Ruth’s, please contact Mindy Propst, managing Director of Adult Day Services at 301-331-5453 / mpropst@eseal.org.

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“She may only remember
her experiences for a few
minutes but for those few
minutes she is a very
happy soul and those few
minutes added here and
there are what makes
all the difference.”
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