Denverite Uses Croquet To Help Alzheimer's Patients

DENVER (CBS4) - At Washington Park in Denver a man named James Creasey can often be found playing croquet with Alzheimer's Disease patients and their families.

The simple, fun game helped Creasey find a connection with his father when he was near the end of his life and struggling with dementia.

"It was a way to do something when we couldn't connect with words, when sentences were failing him and words were confusing," he told CBS4.

Creasey realized he might be able to help others find similar connections with the game, so he formed an organization called Jiminy Wicket. Working together with the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter and the Denver Croquet Club, Creasey now holds croquet get-togethers in Wash Park and raises funds for research and improvements in care for patients.

At one recent gathering, Jeanette Rockers played with her aging mother, who remembers the game fondly from when she was young.

"It's a nice thing to be able to get away from the routine of the place where mom lives," she said.

LINK: jiminywicket.com

CBS4 SPONSORED EVENT: The Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, Sept. 17