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) Montessori-style method helps dementia sufferers
Alzheimers Australia chief executive Glenn Rees said dementia's negative perception was transforming."They're now developing ways to make a difference, what's happening to support them is changing rapidly we just need the funding to take it a step further," he said.
ACH Group dementia learning and development unit manager Lenore de la Perrelle said the Montessori approach for seniors, adapted by U.S. dementia expert Dr Cameron Camp, can "awaken memory" by using visual aids as triggers, like reading specially designed books that have questions to discuss after each page in small groups.
It can also help people who suffer from general confusion do anything from setting a table to reading a book, including Linda, who spent Friday at Semaphore reading with aged care worker Nicole Bryant and other seniors. More>>
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) Talwar makes Briarcliffe home for Alzheimer's patients
Several years ago, Akshay K. Talwar, president and CEO of Briarcliffe Manor, started to design his vision for a facility for those living with Alzheimer's Disease. Talwar, who has worked with Alzheimer's patients for decades, even coined and trademarked a name for his creation – a “memory-impaired micro-community." Now, his uniquely designed 43-bed facility, Briarcliffe Gardens, has come to fruition and will open later this month. “Briarcliffe Gardens looks like a home, both outside and inside," he said. Talwar has spent four years working on the design, and has visited more than 30 Alzheimer's facilities from New Hampshire to Florida. Located on the 28-acre grounds of Briarcliffe Manor, he has sought to create a campus-like atmosphere. His home is also on the property. “I actually gave up the patio on my house – I've been living in mud for months," he said, motioning toward excavating equipment parked nearby. More>> - (
) Luxury senior living at Providence Point nearly complete
The Memory Support area, for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, is centered on a gigantic kitchen."Memory boxes" stand outside each patient's room. The boxes will hold pictures and personal effects to help patients remember which room is theirs. The center also includes a gigantic aquarium, quiet room and indoor garden, all designed to ease anxiety.
Describing those rooms, Mrs. Butz said, "They're just like your bedroom."
The interior of every segment of residential housing, from common hallways to assisted living apartments, was designed to resemble an upscale home.
No wall is painted white, no lighting is harsh. Instead, artwork fills the walls, neutral paint tones and elegant drapes give rooms character, and unique light fixtures lend soft glows. More>>
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) Alzheimer's Association offering brain health classes
The central Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is offering a public health program to educate residents on steps to take to make brain health part of a healthy aging process."Now What Was I Saying" will be presented from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Peoria office, 606 W. Glen Ave.
The program will be presented by Alisha Dault, patient and family services coordinator for the chapter.
Cost is $5 per person, $10 for two or more family members and $10 for professionals. Registration is required. Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee for those who qualify. To register, call 681-1100 or (800) 272-3900.
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) COMMUNITY FORUM: Help us research this dreaded disease
But there is one disease that is stripping her of her many talents: Alzheimer's.At first we were told it was probably only a "lazy brain," but as time progressed, she was slowly forgetting the many things which were common place and so important to her: recipes, words to songs, meeting dates and the list goes on.Sundowners became more frequent. Reasoning was nonexistent at times. After celebrating 50 years of marriage, I realized that it was not safe for her to spend any time alone. With much grief and consternation, I had to place her in a home where care givers understand this dreaded disease.With love and patience, they handle these tenants with an expertise only the most talented care givers can experience. The cost is irrelevant when you consider the benefits of this type of facility.I have so many fond memories of the good times. More>>