Cindy Bertrand is a puppeteer. She is also a therapist and a caregiver who has spent decades assisting seniors live full and happy lives, as well as make peace with the end of their journey.
Bertrand decided to combine her two careers and offer fun, light-hearted puppet show workshops to address issues her aging clients have voiced.
Some of the main concerns Bertrand targets include memory loss, loneliness and sadness.
The two biggest fears seniors struggle with, according to Bertrand, are being a burden to their families and passing away in pain.
The puppeteer addresses these fears in her Puppets on Purpose workshop. She offers solutions as well as an opportunity to talk openly and without censorship.
“It’s been wonderful getting feedback from seniors,” Bertrand says. “They get to see themselves up on stage, and they’re more easily able to relate to other people when they know other people are having these aches and pains or challenges as well, so they don’t feel so alone.”
Rudolph Cierpka is turning 90 in August. He attended the Puppets on Purpose workshop at his new residence, the Hamlets at Vernon, and says everyone at the facility can relate to the material presented.
Cierpka’s wife passed away after 61 years of marriage. Loneliness has been a recurring issue in his life.
“Whenever I talk about it, the feelings come back,” Cierpka said. “I try as hard as I can to get over it, but it’s still there.”
Bertrand would like people to be more conscious when communicating with elders.
“Every time we interact with a senior in a facility or out in the public, if we can be mindful that this person has a story. These seniors built our country,” Bertrand says.
For more information on Puppets for Purpose, visit Cindy Bertrand’s website.