Edith Clark's eyes light up when asked about The Sardine Eater, the children's book she authored in 1992. Although, it's difficult to understand what she is saying, you can tell the 80-something Clark is proud of her book, and of her daughter Brenda Clark, an architect who illustrated the book.
The News met Edith Clark at the Pink Heart Club, which she attends three times a week.
"Our dentist in Steveston told me about the program and I thought it might be something that would be good for my mother," said Brenda Clark, adding her mom has lived with her for more than 15 years. "Fortunately this program really suits my mom and she enjoys coming here."
Her mother suffered a stroke a few years ago, which left her with Aphasia - a neurological disorder caused by damage to portions of the brain. It causes difficulty in expressing oneself when speaking, trouble understanding speech and difficulty with reading and writing. Aphasia is not a disease, but a symptom of brain damage.
Her daughter said it's a cruel irony for a woman who loved words, and was an accomplished artist and author.
Brenda Clark was looking for a program that didn't feel like her mom was in an institution. She was attracted by the small number of participants (only seven per day), and by the various activities.
But the program, which began last month, comes with a price. It costs $46 for a four-hour day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., although members can arrive a half hour early or stay a half hour later.
"Mom is very artistic, she was an actress back in Austria and she loves to draw and paint. there's a lot of stimulation for Mom here," she said. "The first day Mom attended she told me what they did and she really seems to enjoy her time here."
Meanwhile, another mandate of the program is to help Edith Clark regain some of her speech back through games and activities.
"For example, we use recognition cards and a workbook to help Edith's speech and recall," said Richmond's Nurse Next Door franchisee owner Kim Kendrick, who has a roster of 115 employees, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and caregivers.
Across from Edith Clark, 71-year-old Norah Ferguson is drawing, while caregiver Laurel (who asked her last name be kept private), watches on.
Ferguson, who lives with her daughter in East Richmond, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She comes to the program twice a week.
"I like everything about the program, the painting, the drawing, the long walks and the lunches," she says with a big smile on her face.
Meanwhile, deep in thought, 89-year-old Jo Wong is playing cards with Kendrick. The cards are oversized because Wong has limited vision and mild cognitive issues. But it doesn't seem to bother Wong. He smiled easily and often and clearly seemed to enjoy the company of the ladies.
"I come twice a week and it's fun," he said quietly.
For more information, call 604-644-5524, or visit www.
NurseNextDoor.com.
mhopkins@richmond-news.com
