Alzheimer's dementia brings with it a constant struggle to retain independence. The Memories in the Making® Art program is about success in independence and communication. As part of the program, residents with no prior experience can create art to regain the ability to communicate. At the same time, the creation of artwork boosts self-esteem and opens channels of communication with loved ones. Every picture is important and valid. Its value lies in the creative process of making the art and expressing feelings and emotions trapped inside. The ensuing sense of accomplishment brings renewed joy and self-respect to the artist.
Garden Square of Greeley has been involved in the Memories in the Making Art program for eight years and during that time the sale of our resident’s artwork has raised over $100,000.00 for the Alzheimer’s Association. Needed funds have been provided to further Alzheimer’s research through an annual auction of paintings that have been created by our resident artists. Garden Square’s Life Enrichment coordinator has taken the lead role in the program. She has been instrumental in training volunteers to facilitate the artist sessions that take place regularly at Garden Square of Greeley.
The artists speak with powerful brush strokes of color and tentative tracings of line. They pull us into the world of an individual with Alzheimer's. As we look at their paintings, we see their stories in a language that needs no words. Their paintings show us glimpses of who they were and who they still are. They call out to us with a powerful voice.
Garden Square of Greeley benefits from a unique volunteer program called, Be A Friend. This thriving group involves more than forty individuals who graciously give their time to the Garden Square community. It is not uncommon to hear a volunteer express the joy that they receive by being involved in the program. The Garden Square Life Enrichment coordinator oversees, organizes, and demonstrates care and appreciation for this valuable group.
Garden Square is proud to announce that Administrator, Mary Tennessen, is a certified worker of Validation: The Feil Method, created by Naomi Feil. Validation is a tested method of communication with elderly disoriented people that helps reduce stress, and enhance dignity and happiness. It is accepting the feelings of another person and reaching out to them with empathy.
Validation teaches:
• effective ways of communicating with the elderly with dementia
• to expand your ability to connect with people who are unique in their dementia
• how to connect with the elderly with dementia who no longer speak
• support for the families in connecting with their loved ones
• how to deal with ‘difficult behavior’ such as pounding, pacing, repeating phrases, etc.