Memory Lane

This is the Center’s one-of-a-kind Montessori-based activity program for adults with dementia. It is designed to use memory systems that are untapped in traditional activity programs. Small groups of qualifying participants attend scheduled sessions in Memory Lane throughout the week. The program is structured to:  

• Engage participants in meaningful activities in an environment of respect and dignity
• Use memory systems that are untapped in traditional activity programs
• Build on abilities to achieve the highest possible level of functioning, resulting in increased self-esteem
• Manage behaviors such as boredom, frustration, anxiety, agitation
• Maintain or improve attention span

Family caregivers have the opportunity to learn activities and skills to use with their loved ones at home.

Memory Lane currently has 59 participants enrolled usually attending for 45 minutes each day. Each group is modified to the individual participants.

• Monday we work on Memory Books that we give to the participants at the end of the year to share with families for the holidays.

• Tuesday we work on reminiscing activities.

• Wednesday we work on daily living activities and puzzles. We know each participant's current level so we can give him or her the appropriate activity and monitor progress or regression.

• Thursday is game day which involves games from childhood or reminiscing.

• Friday we do chair yoga to help de-stress from the previous week and transition to the weekend. Also, we have nine different question balls (big like beach balls with questions printed on them).  Each participant reads a question, answers it, and tosses or passes it to another participant.