Marjorie P. Lee Senior Living Blog

(Photos: Gary Kessler)

Here at Marjorie P. Lee, we offer a full suite of person-centered cognitive therapies for our residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s called Living Well Memory Support, and it’s one of the most comprehensive suites of memory care programs in the Cincinnati area.

And while you may have heard of art therapy or music therapy programs for seniors, these aren’t your typical therapies. Today, we’re proud to tell you more about our Java Memory Care program.

As Grandparents Day approaches on Sept. 9, you and your children may be interested in celebrating your parents and their grandparents. But that’s likely easier said than done if one of your parents has Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.

On Grandparents’ Day or any other special day, here’s how you can plan an enjoyable experience for everyone involved:

If your parent is living with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, you might think that travel is off the table. In fact, not only can people who have dementia travel, but trips can also help them stay stimulated and reconnect them with loved ones in distant locations.

Nonetheless, traveling with a parent who has dementia does create some unique risks and challenges. By following these tips, you can prepare for those challenges and make sure you both have a safe, happy and enjoyable trip:

(Photos: Gary Kessler)

Of all the challenges that arise when a loved one has dementia, few are more terrifying for them or more difficult for you than sundowner’s syndrome. Sometimes called “sundowning syndrome,” this condition affects many with dementia during the evening. It’s marked by feelings of confusion, aggression, and anxiety, as well as a tendency to ignore directions and pace or wander.

For the sake of their happiness and mental health, it’s critical that you help them cope with this condition. Through the following methods, you can keep sundowner’s syndrome to a minimum and provide comfort and relief for your loved one.

In June, you may have seen people in Cincinnati wearing a lot of purple. Wonder why?

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, an annual movement to raise funding for dementia and brain research, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.

The Alzheimer's Association and families touched by the disease encourage Americans to #GoPurple to find a cure for and finally end the threat of Alzheimer's dementia.

Marjorie P. Lee's certified art therapist, Janet Kempf, helped develop the Inspiring Minds Through Art art therapy program.

In memory care, there are many paths to treatment. What works well to alleviate Alzheimer's symptoms in one person may not work in another, so often the best approach is to throw some proverbial paint at the canvas and see what's effective.

And, here at Marjorie P. Lee in Cincinnati, we’re literally putting paint to canvas with an art therapy program called Inspiring Minds Through Art. Art therapy has long been shown to help generate memories, encourage sharing, increase empathy, decrease anxiety and improve the quality of life of some dementia and post-stroke patients.