I wrote a column a few months ago about how micro interactions can make a difference in our moods and our sense of community. Even small interactions with people at the grocery store or doctors’ office waiting room can change the course of our day and feel meaningful.
I was recently reminded of this with something that was posted anonymously on social media. It was a letter written to a hairdresser. The letter shared with the hairdresser how she had provided a haircut to his wife who had dementia. The writer shared that he was thankful to the hairdresser for providing such kind and compassionate care to his wife during her haircut. He shared that it had been one of his last beautiful moments with her before she passed away.
The hairdresser had created a space where his wife could enjoy the process of the hair cut and feel pretty, lifting her mood and giving her and her husband a lovely afternoon together.
I am part of a group called Dementia Friendly Ventura County which aims to help train businesses to be Dementia Friendly. This means they will learn how to do what this hairdresser did and provide compassionate and caring services to customers with dementia.
If you want to learn more about this program visit https://vcaaa.venturacounty.gov/dementia-friendly-ventura/
The truth is that being Dementia Friendly is really just about being kind and patient. The training helps people understand dementia and how to provide this type of environment. At its core though, we would not need this type of training if everyone simply approached their business and interactions with people with patience and kindness.
Every person is different in the way they interact with others and the way they access services. Sometimes we get so busy and full of stress that we expect people to react the way we want them to, and we become impatient when they do not fit into the mold we want.
Though some may move carefully, react slowly, or not hear what someone said the first time, this does not mean they are not worthy of kindness and good service. Whether someone has a diagnosis of dementia or another disease or not, we all deserve the same services.
This serves as a good reminder that in our daily lives we have the chance to brighten someone’s day with how we interact with them. Hold the door open, share a friendly smile, thank someone when they show good customer service. You never know when someone is having a bad day, and you may have the ability to lift their spirits.
These small acts of kindness improve our mood and reduce the stress we feel. Each time you spread some kindness it usually carries forward. It often has a ripple effect that you may not see personally but may spread to many more people. It is always a good day to build the community around you that you want to see.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
