|
Doctors In Recital Concert
|
Join us at our 7th Annual Doctors in Recital on Saturday, April 8, 2017.
In the past six years, Doctors in Recital has raised nearly $70,000 to offer hope and healing through the power of music. Hosted by Heid Music and Steinway & Sons, this concert brings together music and medicine as area physicians perform to benefit the Fox Valley Memory Project.
Would you consider sponsoring Doctors in Recital this year? You'll give adults living with dementia and their family caregivers in the Fox Valley access to programs that they need to thrive, and to feel a part of their own community again.
Like us on Facebook at Doctors in Recital Fox Valley to learn more about the concert and buy tickets. For more information about sponsorship and the concert c
ontact Sandra Potts, Director of the Fox Valley Memory Project at 225-1724 or
Sandra.potts@lsswis.org.
|
|
Memory Cafés
|
Memory Cafés welcome those experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss or cognitive impairment, as well as family and friends of those affected. They are a great opportunity for lively discussions, information gathering, refreshments, camaraderie, and lots of creative fun! We have a gerontology professional on hand to answer questions and an enormous wealth of experience among participants to be shared. We'd be delighted if you would join us! Call Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711
for more information. Click below for our upcoming café schedules.
|
|
Appleton Public Library Café Features "Valentine's Day's of Our Youth"
|
What are your memories of Valentines Day as a child? Do you have a special Valentine memento that you have saved from your past? Come join us at the Appleton Public Library, 225 N Oneida St. on Tuesday, February 7, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. for a special program called "Remembering Valentine's Day" as we take a look at the Valentine's Day of our youth. We will have a Valentine's Day craft project available for you to do. Our facilitator Elizabeth Eischen always has the coffee pot on and tasty snacks available. We are looking forward to seeing old and new friends!
|
|
Something NEW at the Menasha Memory Café
|
Valentine's Day is a time when we show feelings of love, affection and friendship. What are your special memories of someone special? Bring a photo or other item and share a Valentine story. Join us at the Memory Cafe at the Menasha Senior Center on Friday, February 24 at 2 pm as we welcome our 4 new facilitators.
Say hello and make a new Valentine's Day memory with Kim Patterson from Brookdale, Christine Bloch from ManorCare, Chris Armstrong from the YMCA and the newest Menasha City Nurse Meghan Pauly. These ladies have been working hard to plan fun and engaging programs for you in 2017. Hope to see you in Menasha!
|
|
Memory Loss Resource Center
|
The
Memory Loss Resource Center
welcomes those experiencing dementia, their care partners, family and friends. Get information and support in a warm and caring environment. We look forward to meeting you.
Call 920-225-1711 to schedule a personal appointment to obtain information, support and/or referrals.
We can also share information with you about our ongoing activities.
|
|
Sensory Theme Kits Available for Checkout!
|
Have you ever struggled to find ways to interact with your loved one with dementia? The Fox Valley Memory Project has sensory kits available for you to borrow. Each kit has items to trigger memories by using sensory connections and provide an opportunity for your loved one to share their memories. Kits includes a list of ideas to start conversations. Our current kits include the following themes: Crafts, Gardening, Farming, Fishing, Green Bay Packers, School Days and Pets. Thank you to the staff of St. Paul Elder Services for preparing these sensory theme kits.
|
Searching for New Dreams
Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch, Program Coordinator
|
"A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose, a cause to pursue, a person to love, and a goal to achieve." John Maxwell
Do you have goals for you and/or your loved one for 2017? I hear care partners say things like, "Oh, I gave up on my dreams" or "I don't have time for my goals anymore, I give everything to care giving."
Care partners often grieve for what their loved ones have lost or will lose. You may mourn the change to your dreams. In addition to sadness, you may also experience anxiety and occasional anger. It is important that you grieve your loss. By
processing your feelings of sadness and resentment
, you are more likely to come to terms with them and to eventually accept your changed circumstances.
How do you go about creating new dreams and goals? While your big dreams of travel may no longer be possible, can your consider local day trips that give you enjoyment within the constraints of your new life? Try searching for activities that you enjoy and appreciate. Set your goals to provide joy in the midst of care giving. We all need new hopes and goals to help pull us through and move forward.
Here are some simple suggestions for you to begin with:
- Find ten minutes a day (even if you have to schedule it) to sit down, breathe and relax.
- Call your healthcare provider and make an appointment for a health check.
- Connect with those who can provide respite, whether through an agency, paid caregivers or family members.
- Contact old friends through a phone call, email and/or personal visit to renew relationships. Find ways to maintain and build these vital relationships.
- Call someone for help when you need a break or a shoulder on which to cry. When someone offers help, allow them to do something even if they don't do it exactly as you would. Accept help when given.
- Help your loved one connect with a friend or a family member that they have fond memories of.
- Plan special meals for your loved one that include their favorite foods.
- Enjoy each moment with your loved one so that in the future when they are no longer by your side you will know in your heart that you made a difference in their life and be comforted. Capture memories and store them away for the time when you will need them again.
- Find an accountability partner that will support your new goals. It can be a friend, spouse, partner, colleague or sibling. Be sure it is someone who is supportive of what you're trying to achieve and will be there for you regardless of what else is happening in your life.
If you would like some help setting or revising goals, finding ways to reach your goals or need to talk about the obstacles you are facing, please feel free to call me to schedule a time to meet. I can be reached at 920-225-1711 or at lynnann.clausing@lsswis.org.
Winston Churchill once said, "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty."
|
Loss of a Memory Project Family Member
|
We are sad to share the passing of our friend Angela Geurts. Angela attended Memory Cafés in Kaukauna. The entire Fox Valley Memory Project family extends our deepest sympathy to her family. Click here to view her obituary.
|
|
The Healing Power of the Arts
|
Susan McFadden, one of the visionaries of the Fox Valley Memory Project, regularly contributes articles relevant to memory loss. Her most recent article focuses on persons with dementia (both in home and in care facilities) and the value of engagement with the arts.
One of the strengths of the Fox Valley Memory Project (FVMP) is its commitment to giving people living with dementia and their care partners opportunities for arts engagement. This includes people still living in their homes, as well as those who have moved to residential care. In this article, Susan shares the arts programs that the Fox Valley Memory Project was and is involved with. She also shares some interesting statistics that show the benefits of engaging with the arts. Click here to view Susan's full article. To access the archive of Susan's articles, click here.
|
|
We Welcome New Purple Angel Partners in the Fox Valley
|
We are happy to announce that Senior Helpers
in Appleton, Walgreens in New London and Gilbert's Sentry Foods and Kwik Trip in Hortonvillle have joined our Fox Valley Memory Project family of dementia friendly businesses. If you frequent any of these businesses, please let them know you appreciate them taking the time to learn how to best serve their valued customers and clients with dementia.
The Fox Valley Memory Project Purple Angel program continues to spread dementia
awareness throughout the Fox Valley and beyond. The Purple Angel Community Team
(PACT) is made up of a small group of dedicated community members who offer free
dementia awareness training to area businesses.
Click here for a list of local businesses and organizations that have received dementia awareness training.
If you are interested in having your business or organization become a Purple Angel partner, please contact Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711 or by email at
|
Join Us to Dine and Socialize
|
One of the goals of the Fox Valley Memory Project is to reduce social isolation in a stigma free environment for both care partners and their loved ones with memory loss.
|
|
Memory Assessment Center
|
Assessments are offered at Mosaic Family Health in downtown Appleton by Dr. Lee Vogel and resident physicians. Initial assessments screen for memory impairment, assess overall health and, if warranted, proceed to a more comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the cause/type of dementia. For more information, call the clinic at 920-997-8436.
|
|
REACH In-Home Caregiver Support
|
REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health) is an evidence based caregiver intervention program. REACH supports the caregiver by addressing issues such as emotional well being, stress management, troubling behaviors, problem solving and self-care. A certified caregiver coach will provide resources and support. Read more about this
free
six month program for those caring at home for persons with significant memory loss. For more information contact Karen Aspenson at 920-832-2783.
|
|
Callling All Care Partners
|
St. Paul Elder Service is hosting "A Night For You!" on Tuesday, February 7 from 6 - 8 PM at the Hoffman Memory Care Resource Center in Kaukauna. As a person caring for a loved one with a memory disorder, you no doubt have moments where you neglect yourself. Join fellow care partners for a night of pampering including massages, facials and aromatherapy. There is no charge for this event but you must register in advance by calling 920-766-6186.
|
|
|
Research shows that music, especially with active participation, demonstrates physio
logical, emotional and social benefits to those with memory loss. Active participation stimulates the brain and also has some physical benefits. Music is a road to memories and helps those with dementia to engage and socialize in ways they normally cannot do.
The next series of Lyrics & Laughter begins on
Thursday, March 9.
You can choose between a morning session beginning at 9:30 AM or an afternoon session beginning at 1 PM. Please call 920-727-5555 to make a reservation for this engaging program.
Click here
for more information. This program is held at Valley VNA Senior Services, 1535 Lyon Dr in Neenah.
|
|
SPARK!
|
SPARK! is a program for caregivers and loved ones living with memory loss. The Trout Museum of Art, and The Building for Kids Children's Museum are pleased to be among the Wisconsin museums awarded funding by Bader Philanthropies and the Community Foundation to create programming where participants engage in lively discussions, art making, and multi-sensory activities.
Each one hour program is led by a specially trained museum educator who will engage participants in interactive exhibit experiences. Join us after the program for coffee and conversation led by volunteers who give participants and caregivers the opportunity to support and socialize.
The Trout Museum of Art
Mondays 1 - 2:30 PM
March 13, Exploring Irish Heritage
Registration: Contact The Trout Museum at 920-733-4089 or the Building for Kids at 920-734-3226 to reserve your spot. Registration is required at least one week prior to your selected program(s). Space is limited.
|
| Programs Offered by Lutheran Social Services |
Caregiver classes are being offered at the Thompson Center at 820 W College Ave. Topics include: Taking Care of You, Taking Care of Your Loved One and Taking Care of Business - Navigating the Health Care System.
Click here to find out more about these valuable classes.
|
|
Alzheimer's Association Offers Educational Events
|
|
|
| Thank You to Our Generous Supporters |
Programs of the Fox Valley Memory Project are totally funded by donations and grants. Thank you to all who have so generously support the Memory Project. Your continued support will assure the Fox Valley Memory Project will continue to be here for those in need.
|
|
|
Mission Statement
The Fox Valley Memory Project collaborates with other organizations to offer programs and services that improve quality of life for persons with dementia, as well as their family care partners and friends. We encourage practices of hospitality and inclusion that make our community dementia-friendly.
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
