Memory Care Play performance to encourage conversations about dementia

Nov. 01--Arthur Monsetin is a fictional character, but the story of his fading memory and declining comprehension is one that will ring true to the millions of Americans suffering from dementia, and the family members who struggle along with them.

Monsetin, the central character of "In the Garden," a Memory Care Play written by Matthew Widman, embodies the dementia crisis and its effects on not just the individual, but their loved ones and communities.

The 25-minute play, being presented Nov. 13 and 14 at Stoney Creek Hotel, aims to start a conversation among members of the Coulee Region, from caregivers to business owners, many of whom know or will encounter individuals with Alzheimer's.

"In the Garden" is the second installment of three plays in the Remember Project, created in 2015 and debuting in St. Croix Valley.

Last fall, a local performance of "Steering into the Skid," hosted by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse, drew about 120 individuals, and more than 250 are expected to attend the November edition.

The Remember Project, which strives to build awareness, share resources and provide support for those touched by dementia, was brought to La Crosse in 2017 through a Dementia Crisis Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

"Our performance last year was really well received," said Danette McCarthy, who acted in "Steering into the Skid" and will facilitate the post-performance discussion for "In the Garden." "The conversations after the play were really, really rich. There was a level of self disclosure and a level of safety in the room. The conversation is very organic, very real."

McCarthy calls art, music and theatre "wonderful mediums to get messages across," and "In the Garden" offers powerful perspectives and depictions of the reverberating effects of illness.

While Monsetin cycles between anger and elation, confusion and lucidity, his three children grapple with their father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Tensions rise as they cope with Monsetin's limitations and argue about the best course of care.

"This general scenario is taking place with thousands of families across America every day as adult children try their very best to chart a course for loved ones who are experiencing dementia," McCarthy said. "It can feel extremely isolating to face decisions about care and to navigate the journey of decision-making as a family. 'In the Garden' is a compassionate invitation to help families and friends support each other through the immense challenges and pressures placed on caregivers."

There is no one right perspective or plan of action, McCarthy says, with wide variations in personality, severity of illness and feasibility to take into account. Individuals with Alzheimer's may not be forthcoming with the severity of their symptoms, and conversely, their families may take the diagnosis to the extreme.

"We all have have a perception of what dementia means," said Kelsey Flock, Dementia Care Specialist for La Crosse County ADRC. "You might think they go straight to the nursing home and not remember anything, but people with dementia can still live a full life."

Flock, whose newly created position is funded through a grant as part of the Wisconsin Dementia Care System Redesign, says misconceptions about Alzheimer's are common.

As part of her role, Flock will work to support caregivers and help their loved ones with dementia remain in their homes and active, with a high quality of life, for as a long as possible.

Flock will also assist local business owners, city officials, health care workers and law enforcement in creating a safe, dementia-friendly community.

Prospective plans include developing a coalition to facilitate dementia-capable training and promote community awareness.

"This is a disease on the rise, and there is little awareness about it," Flock said. "It kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. We're going to spend billions and trillions on Alzheimer's care if we don't start intervening now."

Flock and McCarthy hope "In the Garden" will help reduce the stigma behind the disease, and encourage families and patients to reach out for guidance and help developing care plans.

"When you're in it, there is a lot of fear and isolation and it can just be so sad," McCarthy said. "Come and get to know ADRC before you need us."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "In the Garden" from the Remember Project

WHEN: 6 to 8:30 p.m.Nov. 13 and 9 to 11:30 a.m.Nov. 14

WHERE: Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 3060 S. Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska

TO REGISTER: Call ADRC of La Crosse at 608-785-5790 by Nov. 9.

"This general scenario is taking place with thousands of families across America every day as adult children try their very best to chart a course for loved ones who are experiencing dementia." Danette McCarthy, discussion facilitator

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Emily Pyrek can be reached at

emily.pyrek@lee.net.

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