Elders First Adult Day Services Association / Mindful Care
Programs
Description
Music is certainly a universal language for people. For individuals suffering from dementia, music unlocks the mind and brings back pleasant memories of people and places. We offer music therapy twice a week. We recently purchased musical instruments so that participants will be able to be actively involved. Music therapy will be offered to both in-person and virtual participants. Our instructor is a nationally board certified music therapist.
Program Successes
after one particular music therapy session, one of our ladies walked to the keyboard and started playing songs. It was a surprise to everyone. The lady was proud of her ability and seemed grateful for the accolades she received. No one knew that she had that talent.
Anytime someone begins to tell his or her story, that is a success. Some participants are extremely quiet. However, either through music or just plain conversation, they will open up and respond to the interest of others.
According to AARP, 25 percent of all caregivers die before the person in their care. This due to stress and exhaustion. We at Mindful Care like to think that we make a slight difference for the better in that percentage.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Adults
Elderly and/or Disabled
Long-term Success
Given that our participants suffer from dementia and compromised memory, it is difficult to measure long-term success. What they did today, they will not remember tomorrow. Occasionally our testing reveals a slow-down in cognitive deterioration, sometimes a stabilization from one test to another. Our participants are "people in the moment." Their joy and laughter come from immediate stimulation. That's all we can hope for. I think the long-term success is experienced by our staff and volunteers. Our participants make a deep impression on our staff. We will never forget some of them because of their brightness and energy. They may forget in the next five minutes. It is our job to create as many positive and joyous feelings as possible.
Short-term Success
The success of music therapy is reflected in the smiles on their faces and sometimes the tears streaming down their cheeks.
Program Success Monitored By
Our qualified staff conduct testing every two months and compare progress in areas such as memory, strength, and balance. The successful at Mindful Care are minute by minute and sometimes are giant steps in physical and cognitive progress. Caregivers often will tell us how much "Mom" has changed in her attitude and demeanor. They are the ones who monitor firsthand the improved environment at home, where Mom seems happier and more content.
Program Areas Served
Music therapy serves every person to varying degrees who suffers from Alzheimer's.
Music is certainly a universal language for people. For individuals suffering from dementia, music unlocks the mind and brings back pleasant memories of people and places. We offer music therapy twice a week. We recently purchased musical instruments so that participants will be able to be actively involved. Music therapy will be offered to both in-person and virtual participants. Our instructor is a nationally board certified music therapist.
Program Successes
after one particular music therapy session, one of our ladies walked to the keyboard and started playing songs. It was a surprise to everyone. The lady was proud of her ability and seemed grateful for the accolades she received. No one knew that she had that talent.
Anytime someone begins to tell his or her story, that is a success. Some participants are extremely quiet. However, either through music or just plain conversation, they will open up and respond to the interest of others.
According to AARP, 25 percent of all caregivers die before the person in their care. This due to stress and exhaustion. We at Mindful Care like to think that we make a slight difference for the better in that percentage.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Adults
Elderly and/or Disabled
Long-term Success
Given that our participants suffer from dementia and compromised memory, it is difficult to measure long-term success. What they did today, they will not remember tomorrow. Occasionally our testing reveals a slow-down in cognitive deterioration, sometimes a stabilization from one test to another. Our participants are "people in the moment." Their joy and laughter come from immediate stimulation. That's all we can hope for. I think the long-term success is experienced by our staff and volunteers. Our participants make a deep impression on our staff. We will never forget some of them because of their brightness and energy. They may forget in the next five minutes. It is our job to create as many positive and joyous feelings as possible.
Short-term Success
The success of music therapy is reflected in the smiles on their faces and sometimes the tears streaming down their cheeks.
Program Success Monitored By
Our qualified staff conduct testing every two months and compare progress in areas such as memory, strength, and balance. The successful at Mindful Care are minute by minute and sometimes are giant steps in physical and cognitive progress. Caregivers often will tell us how much "Mom" has changed in her attitude and demeanor. They are the ones who monitor firsthand the improved environment at home, where Mom seems happier and more content.
Program Areas Served
Music therapy serves every person to varying degrees who suffers from Alzheimer's.
Budget
$2,000.00
Description
Participants, volunteers, and staff go on occasional outings to restaurants and other locations. These 'adventures' assist our participants in having normalizing experiences that are filled with anticipation, joy, and group cooperation. This helps maintain memory, cognition, and social skills as well as the formation of emotional closeness in our Mindful Care 'family'.
Program Successes
In one battery of tests for cognition, mood, and exercise, 90% of participants improved their cognitive abilities compared to previous testing; 100% showed improvement in mood; 90% maintained or improved their exercise regimen; and 70% maintained or improved their goals.
A survey of caregivers revealed interesting results. 44% said their own physical health improved, and 77% reported that their emotional health was better.
77% said their stress level had lessened. 100% of caregivers said their loved one's physical abilities improved. 77% reported that their loved one's cognitive decline slowed down slightly. 100% of caregivers noted that their loved one's quality of life improved. Significantly, 88% said Mindful Care prevented or delayed institutionalism or homecare services for their loved one.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Families
Elderly and/or Disabled
Long-term Success
Long-term is an inadequate term to describe our success. We have had participants in the program for as long as four to five years. We consider them a success. However, we have had participants in the program for a few months, and due to their deterioration, they have been with us as long as Mindful Care could help them find joy in their short lives. These folks were a success as well. The only way we can measure success on any scale is in the moment. Moments fly by and are forgotten; however, for that brief space of time, a participant finds joy ... joy in a memory, joy with a friendship he or she has formed, or joy just realizing he or she is among those whom she or he loves and loved them back.
Short-term Success
Every day is a new day of delight and discovery for participants. The short-term success of our program is captured in a smile, laughter, a hug or a feeling of accomplishment when working with coloring, painting, completing a puzzle ... and having one's accomplishment displayed on the bulletin board.
Program Success Monitored By
The Mindful Care program is monitored by the staff, visiting board members, but, most importantly by family members who observe their loved one at home. Caregivers tell us that after a day at Mindful Care, "Mom" is more settled at home, sleeps better, and remains calmer. The Sundowners Syndrome seems to lessen after the fellowship and companionship offered by time at Mindful Care.
Program Areas Served
None
$2,000.00
Description
Participants, volunteers, and staff go on occasional outings to restaurants and other locations. These 'adventures' assist our participants in having normalizing experiences that are filled with anticipation, joy, and group cooperation. This helps maintain memory, cognition, and social skills as well as the formation of emotional closeness in our Mindful Care 'family'.
Program Successes
In one battery of tests for cognition, mood, and exercise, 90% of participants improved their cognitive abilities compared to previous testing; 100% showed improvement in mood; 90% maintained or improved their exercise regimen; and 70% maintained or improved their goals.
A survey of caregivers revealed interesting results. 44% said their own physical health improved, and 77% reported that their emotional health was better.
77% said their stress level had lessened. 100% of caregivers said their loved one's physical abilities improved. 77% reported that their loved one's cognitive decline slowed down slightly. 100% of caregivers noted that their loved one's quality of life improved. Significantly, 88% said Mindful Care prevented or delayed institutionalism or homecare services for their loved one.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Families
Elderly and/or Disabled
Long-term Success
Long-term is an inadequate term to describe our success. We have had participants in the program for as long as four to five years. We consider them a success. However, we have had participants in the program for a few months, and due to their deterioration, they have been with us as long as Mindful Care could help them find joy in their short lives. These folks were a success as well. The only way we can measure success on any scale is in the moment. Moments fly by and are forgotten; however, for that brief space of time, a participant finds joy ... joy in a memory, joy with a friendship he or she has formed, or joy just realizing he or she is among those whom she or he loves and loved them back.
Short-term Success
Every day is a new day of delight and discovery for participants. The short-term success of our program is captured in a smile, laughter, a hug or a feeling of accomplishment when working with coloring, painting, completing a puzzle ... and having one's accomplishment displayed on the bulletin board.
Program Success Monitored By
The Mindful Care program is monitored by the staff, visiting board members, but, most importantly by family members who observe their loved one at home. Caregivers tell us that after a day at Mindful Care, "Mom" is more settled at home, sleeps better, and remains calmer. The Sundowners Syndrome seems to lessen after the fellowship and companionship offered by time at Mindful Care.
Program Areas Served
None
Budget
$74,650.00
Description
This activity-based adult day services program assists mentally and physically impaired persons age 55+ who commonly suffer from multiple losses . The program includes cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, social skills building, modified physical exercise, remotivation, life review, music therapy, pet therapy, and relaxation. Goals include:(1) creation of an emotional climate of acceptance and warmth that helps participants learn to accept themselves and their feelings (2) frequent intervention by the staff to help smooth the progress of social interaction for those whose communication ability is impaired (3) experience of the feeling of belonging (4) opportunity to ventilate feelings (5) opportunity to reminisce about past accomplishments and give new meaning to their current lives (6) creating moments of joy.
Program Areas Served
None
$74,650.00
Description
This activity-based adult day services program assists mentally and physically impaired persons age 55+ who commonly suffer from multiple losses . The program includes cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, social skills building, modified physical exercise, remotivation, life review, music therapy, pet therapy, and relaxation. Goals include:(1) creation of an emotional climate of acceptance and warmth that helps participants learn to accept themselves and their feelings (2) frequent intervention by the staff to help smooth the progress of social interaction for those whose communication ability is impaired (3) experience of the feeling of belonging (4) opportunity to ventilate feelings (5) opportunity to reminisce about past accomplishments and give new meaning to their current lives (6) creating moments of joy.
Program Areas Served
None
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| We are grateful for grants and business donations from many grantmakers and businesses over the years since start-up in 2005: Ole South Properties/Charitable Foundation, The Gannett Foundation, Middle TN Electric Customers Care, Inc., Joe C. Davis Foundation, Goodrich Corporation, Wal-Mart Stores, Kroger Fund Raiser Program, CNG Wine and Spirits, Keller Williams Realty, Rion Flowers & Gifts, Mid-South Psychiatric Associates, Cal Turner Family Foundation, Reeves Sain Foundation, Heritage Farms, Murfreesboro Medical Center, Affect Plus, Arlene's Clay Studio, Henry's Florist, Stones River Eye Center, State Farm Insurance, Baptist Healing Trust, VistaPoints-the Special Needs Trust, Charity Circle of Murfreesboro, The Community Foundation of Middle TN, General Mills Foundation, Clayton Family Foundation, WalMart, Stones River Eye Center, James Walter Pickle Charitable Foundation, the Christy Houston Foundation, Alzheimer's Association Mid South Chapter, Tennessee Chiropractic Alliance, Kathleen Pohlid Attorney, TrustPoint Hospital, Anderson's Pool and Wild Birds, St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital/Ascension, Family Staffing Solutions, The Ray McKinley Family Foundation, Tom and Linda Tozer, Tina and Vince O'Brien, and Lindy and John McLaughlin. The COVID virus has presented a formidable challenge for all for-profits and nonprofits. Even though the program closed in March 2020, the resolve and resourcefulness of our staff really shined. While our participants stayed home, we prepared packets of activities and exercises, either delivering them to their homes or conducting activities via Zoom. We wanted to remain in touch with our people--who depend on routine, order and familiarity. We also invited families to two "Sonic Picnics." Invite us to speak to your club, church or organization. We'll tell you all about this brilliant idea that turned out to be a whopping success! |
