The roar of an engine, a lukewarm breeze on the cheeks, and an unexpected getaway on two wheels: this is what Lauraine Bezeau, 82, lived thanks to the complicity of a day center at the senior age and a certain Monsieur Daniel.
It was a luminous parenthesis in the daily life of a woman with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Yes, my mother was motorcycle. My uncles had motorcycles and sometimes she was flying the keys to go for a walk, ”says Ann Arseneault, her daughter. “It was a bit of a passion, and my uncles have always had motorcycles. »»
These memories, although distant, have remained anchored in his memory, even if the present, he, he is a little more faked every day.
It was by knowing this passion of yesteryear that Chantale Proulx, attended at the day center, had an idea: to offer Madame Bezeau a unique surprise. After talking about it with a motorcycle friend, she organized a small trip with a motorcycle suitable for more security. The whole, without the knowledge of Ann, who only learned the again the surprise revealed.
“They called me afterwards because he wanted to surprise my mother. It was done in the afternoon, ”she recalls. “I was surprised, but I was very happy that my mother relocates that. The girls even took videos and photos so I could see when my mother left. »»
This getaway took place in a sunny afternoon, in a hollow moment after morning activities and dinner. A benevolent way to anchor a happy memory in the memory of a lady for whom daily landmarks are often blurred.
“The front memory is still good. It is the short -term memory that is the worst, ”explains his daughter. “I was able to show him the photos and videos that the girls had sent me to show her that she had taken a motorcycle turn,” adds Ms. Arseneault.
It underlines the importance of these small gestures which, without drum or trumpet, illuminate the days of elders living with Alzheimer’s disease. She also expresses all her gratitude to the team of the day center, which she describes as attentive and inventive.
Lauraine Bezeau has frequented the day center for senior age twice a week for three years. The rest of the time, she lives at the castle, an establishment for the elderly in Baie-Comeau. However, as every summer, the day service is suspended during school holidays.
“It’s a shame, because it no longer has access to respite in summer. She stays at the castle, but she no longer has these days when her memories are told, where we make her move. These are services that we should be able to offer year-round, “she deplores.
Despite everything, this motorcycle tour will remain a luminous point in the summer of Madame Bezeau and a fine example of the creativity and the discreet generosity of those who accompany our elders with heart.
“I know that with the people of the center of a day, they make her talk a lot about when she was young and make her tell things. Over time, my mother often told that, ”concludes Ann. “I am grateful.
