Program participants Bob and Dan work on a “brain gym” exercise designed to strenghthen cognitive connections.
A diagnosis of dementia — from Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or mild to moderate Multi-Infarct Dementia used to be mean “the end” of meaningful life for afflicted seniors. A new program offered at The Cedars proves, however, that life not only goes on — it can be rich in meaning, independence and dignity.
The Cedars’ new community-based outpatient program, “Living Well With Dementia,” designed for seniors with a diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia, was the focus of the 2012 Annual Membership meeting on August 1.
The program combines meaningful activities with specialized fitness, rehabilitation and therapeutic services to help these seniors thrive. Support for caregivers is also provided. The program involves:
- Assessment – A thorough, caring and professional evaluation of your loved one’s motor and processing skills, balance, medication management, communication skills, stress levels and support systems.
- Intervention – The very best occupational, physical, and speech and language pathology services targeted to memory issues.
- Wellness – A regular, half-day program of the very latest in dementia rehabilitation and wellness services, with a 1:6 staff to client ratio.
After a short video (to see it, click here), program director Lisa Clark described the first group of participants, calling them “the bravest people I know.” A member of the group talked about how the program has helped him make friends with people who understand his situation, and the parent of one of the participants described how the program has helped her family.
Cedars Executive Director Angela Hunt pointed out that, while the program doesn’t provide a cure, it is an important way for those fighting a diagnosis of dementia to maintain quality of life and wellness. “We believe so strongly that preserving dignity and independence is just as important as preserving memory function,” said Hunt. “This program is an important addition to our continuum of senior living options.”
The Cedars is partnering with researchers at the University of New England to track results of the program, and hopes to pursue grant funding in the future.
For more information about the “Living Well With Dementia” program, contact April MacDonald, 207-221-7150.