Video Poem: “Pieces of Our Minds” (Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Hospice, Nursing Homes) 2:24 mins.

"Pieces of our Minds" is one of sixteen original poems included at the end of each chapter of my book "Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes.” It is the first of several video poems and stories I will be introducing.

Dementia refers to a group of conditions that gradually destroy brain cells and lead to mental decline. Various conditions can cause dementia, but Alzheimer’s (Ahlz-high-merz) disease is the leading cause. There is no cure for patients with dementia, and eventually they need complete care. Their quality of life improves when they receive effective healthcare and support.

As a hospice volunteer in Detroit nursing homes, I learned that dementia is like a fluttering bee. I never knew when it would make honey or sting. I participated in adult fantasies often. An important lesson I learned is that I don’t know the extent of anyone’s mental boundaries. One thing I know for sure is that I visited their Oz weekly and became a better person.

Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”