Giving Those with Memory Loss a “Hands-On” Way to Learn and Grow

Marsha Peoples, Community Enrichment Director at AgeSong, Lakeside Park in Oakland, has discovered a way for individuals with dementia to find a sense of purpose.

Marsha and her activity staff have created tactile boxes with the following themes:

• Flower arranging
• Baby theme
• Crafts, sewing and sorting
• Mailing, sorting, stuffing envelopes, bubble wrap popping
• Garage hardware
• Planting seeds

Through the “Gemstone States of Cognitive Dynamics” inventory (Ryan, 2009), residents’ interests are matched to the box theme. Memory Boxes are one of many activities that apply The Social-Spiritual Model of Dynamic Memory Care, developed by Janice K. Ryan and based on the work of Teepah Snow. “Memory Activity Boxes”  give residents of Lakeside Park an opportunity to build on meaningful roles, activities, habits, routines, and rituals. The Memory Activity Boxes at Lakeside Park have been so effective in helping residents find meaning that they are now being used at Bayside Park, AgeSong’s Emeryville community.

Human Systems Dynamics is a branch of nonlinear dynamics or complexity science in which practitioners apply their knowledge of human behavior patterns to systematic change efforts in organizations, groups or communities (Eoyang, 1997-2008, Capra, 1996).  These self-organizing systems give individuals with dementia tactile tools to take goal-directed action. Through sensory stimulation, their interests and strengths are applied in a social context.

For more information, view ww.humansystemsOT.com or contact Marsha Peoples, marshap@agessong.com.  Volunteers who would like to assist staff in Memory Box activities and see The Social-Spiritual Model of Dynamic Memory Care applied in Lakeside Park’s progressive assisted living environment, are welcome to contact Sally Gelardin, sally@agesong.com, to set up an interview.

Nationally renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow is scheduled to present a special  Alzheimer’s and dementia free seminar for families caring for loved ones with dementia August 13, 2012, from 6 pm to 8 pm, California Center Pleasanton, 4400 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588.  View: www.regonline.com/familyjourneysanfranciscoca or call 925-460-9900.

Also on August 13, professionals are invited to attend a 3-credit certification seminar presented by Teepa Snow on “Successful Interaction Strategies for Health Care Professionals” 8:30 am to 11:30 at the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, Ball Auditorium, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. For more information, contact 925-677-2150.

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AgeSong at Lakeside Park | 468 Perkins Street, Oakland, California 94610 | 510-444-4684 | License #015601384 All content © AgeSong. All rights reserved.

AgeSong at Lakeside Park Services: Senior Care, Senior Living, Senior Residential Care Home, and Board & Care Facility including: High Needs Assisted Living • Alzheimer’s Disease Services • Secure Dementia Care • Memory Care • Behavioral Health Care • Emotional Care • Hospice Care • Respite Care •Clinical Non-Ambulatory Care • Geriatric Care • Disabled Care • Programs that Address Difficult and Challenging Behavior

AgeSong Retirement Communities: Locations throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco and the East Bay: San Francisco-Hayes Valley • San Francisco-Laguna Grove • Oakland-Lake Merritt • Oakland-Lakeside Park • Emeryville-Bayside Park • Castro Valley-OakCreek