Close to people | Stories from Bethel
Everyone enjoys bowling
Anne Sophie Groeger chirps like a bird. And smiles mischievously. She really enjoys imitating animal sounds. She is on her way from her residential group to go bowling and whistles happily to herself. Boris Diekmann picks her up so that she doesn't get lost in the Bethel facility. The curative education nurse gallantly shakes her hand. This gives her orientation and security. Anne Sophie Groeger has Down's syndrome. For a long time, she was able to live very independently, but now progressive dementia is robbing her of many abilities. The sociable 54-year-old therefore no longer goes to a workshop. Instead, she takes part in the day-care programmes.
Laughing together is good for you
Singing and dancing. Handicrafts and cooking. There is always something on the programme for people with disabilities who no longer go to work. Meeting others, laughing together or simply listening and observing - all this brings variety to everyday life and is intended to help maintain existing abilities. Enjoying exercise plays a major role in this. Bowling is a particular favourite. However, there is no bowling alley in the rooms for the day-care programmes. An open area, a light ball with special recessed grips and skittles that are repositioned by hand after each throw are all that is needed for the afternoon that so many people look forward to.
"Great to see you," says Boris Diekmann, welcoming the colourful group. And off they go. The first one throws from the hip while standing - and misses. A frown on his face. Now it's time to work on the technique. They don't aim at the cones, but at the wall behind them. The ball bounces off and four skittles fall. Applause from the group. The next participant approaches in a wheelchair. And lets the ball roll down from her lap. After three attempts, she also enjoys the applause. "8" is entered on the list, which is later used to crown the bowling king.
Mission for Anne Sophie Groeger. She takes a seat on a chair in front of the skittles. But instead of throwing, she looks at the ball in her hands in amazement. "Oh, it's beautiful. So beautiful," she whispers almost reverently. "Throw!" and "Come on, try it!" the others cheer her up. The woman leans back. Her legs bounce in the air. Aiming. And - misses. But there is still applause for the attempt. Anne Sophie Groeger laughs enthusiastically. She doesn't have to be bowling queen. The afternoon is a win for her too.
Text: Heike Lepkojis | Photos: Sarah Jonek
This story simply told
Singing and dancing. Handicrafts and cooking. There is always something on the programme of the daytime activities. Anne Sophie Groeger has Down's syndrome and can no longer go to work. She therefore enjoys taking part in the varied programme. She really enjoys bowling.
Would you like to find out more?
Contact
Bethel.regional
Haus Emmaus - Day Care
Maraweg 2
33617 Bielefeld
Offers & services
The programme at Haus Emmaus is aimed at adults with intellectual disabilities, a high need for social integration and complex multiple disabilities. It offers a suitable framework for personalised life planning and the development of personal life perspectives. Clients in the flats can take part in practical life skills training to acquire housekeeping skills.
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