Eighty-eight fingers therapy

>> Singing, yoga and trivia help keep Alzheimer's sufferers with the program

by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Sarah Carney

Nickname: Tough Carn

Age: 24

Occupation: Recreational therapist

Salary: $25,000 per annum

Bio: This strikingly delicious Outremont resident and first-rate pianist has been labouring as a recreational therapist at the Griffith McConnell Residence and Manoir Westmount for the past several years. Working primarily with residents suffering from Alzheimer's, she coordinates and supervises activities for the oldsters and states that, "Everyday something unusual goes on here, that's why I like the job." Raised in a strict Protestant environment, Sarah is a graduate of both Concordia university and church camp, yet claims not to have any strong religious beliefs at the moment.

Some therapeutic stuff she organizes for residents suffering from Alzheimer's: Sarah plays songs on the piano that may help to strike a chord in their memories, sets up trivia games, takes them on outings, teaches them yoga and supervises their exercise class. "But I don't push them very hard, most of the people are in wheelchairs."

Something else she is currently putting together with the residents: A choir that will put on a Christmas show this season. "It's a little bit difficult but I'm trying."

Is her Alzheimer's choir meant to be an exercise in black comedy? No

One song that is a big hit with Alzheimer's sufferers: "Beer Barrel Polka"

Do any of the patients ever get frisky with her? Sometimes. "But there's not a lot of men here. Only 10 per cent of my patients are men."

Is it a major bummer dealing with families who just can't accept why Papa doesn't know who they are anymore? "Yes, on some days it can get you down a little, but I really like to be with the families, educating them on the disease. It's an important part of the job."

Does she feel any animosity towards families who simply forget about Papa, leaving him alone in the ward to rot and die? "No, I don't pass judgement. Alzheimer's can be a very difficult thing for family members to deal with."

Has her work ever moved her to tears? "Yes, a couple of times when I first started."

Her thoughts on mercy killing: "I suppose if someone is capable of making decisions for themselves and chooses that route then I would be more for it than against it."

Something she does for fun: Sings in a women's barbershop choir out in DDO. "Barbershop is a little bit silly but it's fun."

Where you might be able to catch her singing if you have no patience for barbershop harmonies: At Vocalz on Crescent doing the karaoke thing.

The song that always knocks 'em dead at Vocalz: "Manic Monday"

Musical tastes: Everything from the Carpenters to Busta Rhymes. "But I'm not a big jazz fan."

Two other places she hangs out at: McKibbin's Irish Pub and Reggie's on Open Mic Night.

Childhood ambition: To become a retail cashier.

A couple of recent films she liked: Dancer in the Dark, Memento.

Last book read: The Stone Angel, by Margaret Lawrence.

Television preferences: Canadian programming like This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Catwalk, and the Degrassi series. "But not the new one. It's too polished."

Words of wisdom: "You've got to laugh. If you don't then sometimes you're just going to cry." :

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca