Fountain View Part 1

A few months ago I was reading in one of my magazines about a photographer who photographed seniors. I was thinking it was just about High Schoolers, but after reading the article, it had nothing to do with Teens at all. It has to do with a population of people who are hidden behind the walls of nursing homes across the country. As a paramedic I get to see these people at their worst. The question that entered my mind was "Who gets to see them at their best?"

At the same time this question was surfacing, we were blessed to photograph the Blough family. It was exciting to talk to Mrs. Blough about her role in the lives of seniors at a local senior living center. The more we talked the more excited we each became about taking time to capture their best moments.

Last Friday was my orientation to who these people are. Bingo was the activity, and the only thing I was told is "Don't mess with their Bingo", but Mrs. Blough and I thought it would be a great time to hang out and get to know who these people really are.
During my time with them I learned so much. Most of them hate the camera. They say it makes them look old. Many of them think that Candy is the greatest reward for winning. Many are shy. Some more able to do things than others, but all of them were incredible to be with.

Here are some of my favorite images. I will be back again this Friday, but this time it is one on one. I will be taking portraits of them to give to their families.

The Ultimate Prize!

Part 2

A return trip back to Fountain View only proved more moving than the first. Today my goal was to capture individual portraits of the residents.

The residents were incredible to photograph. They joked about how they looked, they tried turning me off with a remote, they even told on each other if one didn't get their photograph yet.

Upon returning to the studio, I knew I was in for a treat. I didn't realize my eyes would fill with tears as I brought to life the images taken during the day. Instead of posting many of them here I am going to have an event with the residence themselves. We have one more session with residents before we can schedule this special event.

Enjoy....

Part 3

"Just because I can't Remember doesn't mean I want to be forgotten"
Today I finished up my project at Fountain View. This one was the hardest. The memory care unit is where the patients with severe dementia and Alzheimer's reside. The saddest part for me was the three residents we couldn't photograph.
I warn you.. You might need Kleenex.

Another way to remember

This event has really brought to light a reality about "The most beautiful generation".
I was contacted by Alan Teelander today about a similar project that is blessing the Greater Lowell community. It is called Faded Footsteps, and can be found at www.fadedfootsteps.com. Alan and a group of volunteers are Honoring and Remembering our Veterans, our Families and our friends through an incredible website that tells a story.

Please check it out..... at www.fadedfootsteps.com