A story in the news this morning tells of a group of young people in Goulbourn who created a possum-skin cloak for their elders in care. In a program developed by Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative and Wulumbarra, 10 young people were engaged in a program to develop the cloak which would be offered to residents of Rumbalara Elders Facility and families as something they could use for safe passage into the Dreamtime. That is, families will be able to drape the cloak over their elder in the final days. This is intended to provide cultural connection and comfort. During the program, young people were offered a safe space and were guided by Aboriginal elders.
As noted in my post yesterday, connecting to culture are important for those living with dementia. While this cloak is designed to support the passage of people to the Dreamtime, other types of objects can provide people living with dementia triggers for memory and connections. Gifts and offerings from the young to the elderly are powerful and joyful even in the most sorrowful of times.
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Posted on 22/06/2023
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