Memory Care

Those living with memory loss need specialized care. At Aging With Dignity, we help clients continue to lead lives of purpose and joy through a variety of life enhancement programs. Part of this process includes discovering the client’s life history and their passions, hobbies and interests. To match clients with activities that meet their socialization, emotional and spiritual needs, we do a comprehensive evaluation, which includes:

• Conducting an interview to identify past professions, hobbies, and interests
• Identify activities and interests which may have been ignored due to their condition and determine what level of engagement would enhance their ability to live fully
• Connect clients to available classes and activities, including volunteer opportunities, in the community that would be of interest to them
• Identify specialty companions to accompany clients to cultural activities, restaurants, museums, etc.
• Make recommendations for local programs designed for those living with memory loss

Here are just some of our specialized programs:

Dementia and Art

Painting is becoming a very popular form of art therapy and was highlighted in the documentary film “I Remember Better When I Paint,” which depicts numerous instances of people living with dementia who have transformative experiences when they pick up a paint brush. Some of the ways we connect people with art include:

• Bringing in a specialized therapist who does painting and other forms of art in the home
• Arrange for participation in a program that brings school children together with those living with memory loss through art projects and the sharing of life stories
• Make referrals to special museum programs for people living with memory loss

Dementia and Music

Music engages broad neural networks in the brain, including areas responsible for emotions and creativity. Music can tap into deep emotional recall, even for people living with severe dementia. A study at the Boston University School of Medicine discovered that people living with Alzheimer’s were better able to remember new information when it was provided in the context of a song. Favorite music or songs associated with important personal events can trigger memory of lyrics and the experience connected to the music. Beloved music often calms chaotic brain activity and enables the listener to focus on the present moment and regain a connection to others. We connect clients to music in a number of ways:

• Create a customized playlist based on the Music & Memory (SM) program
• Utilize SPARK Memories Radio, a specialized music app that allows caregivers to identify and play a client’s favorite music
• Provide special music experiences by singing favorite songs with clients, or listening to music and dancing, waving scarves or supplying egg shakers or other small percussive instruments to tap along with the music
• Identify opportunities for cultural outings such as daytime orchestra rehearsals, opera, or other concerts
• Arrange for visits by volunteer musicians or hiring musicians to play for a client or play an instrument with the client

Dementia and Gardening

Gardening therapy may help people living with memory loss recall those pleasant long-term memories and bring them back to a healthier time. Here’s just a few ways we help create some of those pleasant memories:

• Touring public gardens with a client
• Collecting leaves and creating a collage at home
• Decorating a clay pot with client and planting flowers
• Organizing delivery of favorite floral arrangements or spend time with client creating their own unique floral arrangement