Expressing ourselves is a critical part of a meaningful life. We can draw from the past, be in the present, and look toward the future.
For people living with dementia, it is often difficult to keep the parts and pieces connected. Also, it is difficult for many persons to continue to express themselves in a way that caregivers can understand. Providing opportunities for multiple ways to express oneself- regardless of life stage – should be a critical element of every program for senior adults, whether or not they have memory challenges.
Art, storytelling, singing, call-and-response poetry (a program from the Alzheimer’s Association) are examples of how activity directors and caregivers can find ways to enable creative expression. Passive or simplistic activities are often designed to consume time but provide little value to the participants. At EngAGE EnCOURAGE™, we take a different approach – it’s time to learn, laugh and create!
Astrid Norberg, the author of Alzheimer’s Disease (2019), writes that “although persons with advanced dementia are often described as having lost their self, their sensory and perceptual awareness has been found (to have been) retained.”
EngAGE EnCOURAGE™ is a program designed for adult day clubs, senior living memory care, and community-based programs that use the five senses to engage participants. Each class creates opportunities for persons living with dementia to actively experience what they are doing. They can see colorful and inspirational images, sing, and listen to familiar music, smell, and touch nature, listen to a story, and express themselves through creative sessions. A monthly theme offers everyone the opportunity to participate and then celebrate all that the group has accomplished together each month.
EngAGE EnCOURAGE™ provides quality online classes for use in programming at assisted living communities, adult day clubs, and for memory care providers. Reach us via email or toll free by phone at (800) 990-9806.