Kay Hauer and her husband, Bill, moved into another community within Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS’) almost 20 years ago. After her husband passed away, Kay continued to thrive in independent living. She has always been known for her quick wit and love for exercise. Even now, as her memory has declined and she moved to ERS’ Marjorie P. Lee’s memory support household, Kay still has her humor and loves to stay active.
“I met Kay when she lived in an independent living apartment within one of our other communities,” shared Tracie Martella, clinical nurse lead for the memory support household at Marjorie P. Lee. “I remember always seeing her out and about exercising on the campus. She walked bouncing a tennis ball or balanced herself on the curb. I always thought – WOW, I want to be Kay as I age.”
The relationship that Tracie and Kay formed was ideal as Kay’s needs changed, and they met again at Marjorie P. Lee. Marjorie P. Lee offers specialized care and services for seniors to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing cognitive loss, including Alzheimer's and dementia. As her healthcare needs changed, Kay and her family decided that it was best for her to move to Marjorie P. Lee’s memory care household. “It is a bit of a full circle moment for me to be reunited with Kay,” said Tracie.
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Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community is committed to providing a person-centered approach to memory support. Our diverse range of therapies—including Java Music, Health Rhythms, art and horticultural therapy, and SAIDOÒ Learning—ensures that each resident receives tailored care to enhance their quality of life. For example, when a person breaks a bone and undergoes physical therapy to improve function, Marjorie P. Lee’s Memory Support Therapies are tailored to help “exercise” the brain.
“I really enjoy all that they have to offer me here. And, I love not having to remember it all,” Kay shares with a chuckle, also giving a glimpse into the second trait she is known for – her sense of humor. She shared that Tracie and the other team members help her with her memory.
Person-Centered Care Approach
Person-centered care is at the heart of Marjorie P. Lee’s memory support services. This approach focuses on the individual's needs and preferences. By understanding each resident's history, personality, and interests, we can create personalized care. “Not everyone likes music, for example, but we have found that by providing a diverse group of therapies, we have something for most everyone, allowing us to be person-centered,” shared Tracie. “Kay’s love of physical exercise helps her appreciate the importance of exercising her mind.” Knowing Kay’s passions has allowed the team to customize her care plan.
Java Music Therapy
Java Music Therapy is an evidence-based program that uses music to improve the emotional and cognitive well-being of individuals with memory loss. Music has a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions, making it a powerful tool for connecting with residents.
Tracie explains, "Java Music Therapy has been incredibly effective in helping our residents engage and express themselves. The familiar tunes and rhythms often trigger happy memories and bring a sense of joy and comfort."
Residents participate in group sessions where they can sing along to their favorite songs, play simple instruments, and move to the rhythm. These sessions encourage social interaction, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
Health Rhythms
Health Rhythms is a drumming-based program designed to promote physical and emotional health. Drumming has been shown to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve mood. Residents use hand drums and percussion instruments in our Health Rhythms sessions to create music together.
"Drumming has a way of bringing people together," says Tracie Martella. "It's a fun and interactive way for residents to express themselves and connect with others." The physical act of drumming also provides a gentle workout, helping residents maintain their motor skills and coordination.
Art and Horticultural Therapy
Creative activities like art and gardening offer numerous benefits for individuals with memory loss. Art therapy allows residents to explore their creativity, express emotions, and engage in meaningful activities. Through painting, drawing, and other artistic endeavors, residents can experience a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
"Many of our residents find joy in creating something beautiful," Beverly Edwards, Vice President of Residential Healthcare, notes. "Art therapy provides a wonderful outlet for self-expression and can be very therapeutic."
Horticultural therapy involves gardening activities that promote physical and mental well-being. Residents can plant flowers, tend to vegetable gardens, and enjoy the sensory experience of working with soil and plants. Gardening offers a soothing and rewarding activity that connects residents with nature.
Robert Evans, owner of Aarrowood Plants and Flowers and business partner of Marjorie P. Lee, leads the horticultural programs for the residents. Robert shares his experience, "I have enjoyed being with the residents who participate in my sessions. I have always believed that tending to plants and flowers is therapeutic, and seeing the impact on the residents validates this for me.” Residents reminisce and share about gardens they have had in their lives. They also connect with their neighbors while arranging flowers or planting a new arrangement.
SAIDO Learning®
SAIDO Learning is a cognitive rehabilitation program developed in Japan to improve the cognitive function of individuals with dementia. The program involves simple math and reading exercises designed to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive abilities.
"SAIDO Learning has helped to improve the cognitive function of our residents," says Tracie Martella. "It's a structured program that challenges the brain in a way that is both effective and enjoyable for the participants."
Residents participate in one-on-one or small group sessions, working on exercises tailored to their cognitive level. Each resident is paired with a staff supporter. “We really enjoy the SAIDO exercises, but for me, the “magic” is in the relationships that we form with the residents one-on-one during the SAIDO session.” Kay and Tracie are partners at SAIDO and really enjoy each other’s company. Tracie particularly enjoys Kay’s humor. “She always tells me that ‘I put up with her.’ At first, I worried about how I made her feel. However, I have come to the conclusion that Kay is saying, in her funny way, that she knows I care for her deeply, and that I want to be around her – which is so true!”
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The Beneifts of Memory Support Therapies
The multiple therapies offered at Marjorie P. Lee provide comprehensive support for residents with memory loss. By addressing the cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of well-being, these therapies offer a holistic approach to care. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Programs like SAIDO Learning and art therapy stimulate the brain, helping to exercise the residents’ cognitive abilities.
- Improved Emotional Well-Being: Music and drumming therapies reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and promote a sense of joy and fulfillment.
- Social Engagement: Group activities foster social interaction and create a sense of community among residents.
- Physical Health: Activities like drumming and gardening provide gentle exercise, helping residents maintain their physical health and coordination.
- Personalized Care: Each therapy is tailored to the individual's interests and abilities, ensuring a person-centered approach that respects and honors each resident's unique needs.
Tracie shared that she loves working for the Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community because it is dedicated to providing exceptional memory support through a variety of innovative therapies. Our person-centered approach ensures that each resident receives the care and attention they deserve, helping them lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Memory support at Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community goes beyond traditional care approaches. By incorporating therapies like Java Music, Health Rhythms, art and horticultural therapy, and SAIDO Learning, we offer a comprehensive and person-centered approach to memory care. Our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents with cognitive loss is unwavering, and we are proud to provide a supportive and engaging environment.
"Memory support is about more than just managing symptoms," says Tracie Martella. "It's about creating opportunities for residents to stay connected and enjoy each day to the fullest. Through our great care and specialized memory care therapies, our residents are making memories with our team and one another. It is special to be a part of that.”
If you are looking for residential memory care options or memory support services, we are here to help. Contact us at your convenience to learn more about how our households can help people with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia lead more comfortable and engaged lives.
