Everyone loves to celebrate a birthday – even those with serious dementia can enjoy it. Because some of our members have challenges with short-term memory we are almost certain they will quickly forget the “party.” At OPICA, our focus is joy, and we know that creating a simple celebration produces a positive and happy vibe […]
Hogewey, an amazing “village” on the outskirts of Amsterdam transports its residents back to the 1950s… literally. In this faux city of manicured streets, there is a grocery, cafe, coffee shop, restaurant, beauty salon and barber shop. The 152 residents of Hogewey all have advanced dementia, and this faux village is a treatment facility that
An Unreal Approach to Alzheimer’s Care Read More »
OPICA’s Brain Train for Early Memory Loss provides support for individuals experiencing mild cognitive decline, including early Alzheimer’s. This weekly four-hour program is designed to fortify memory and stimulate overall wellbeing. Program components are designed to help individuals find healthy ways to cope with their emotions, learn techniques to support memory, enhance creativity and provide
Reliable Inspirational Support for Early Alzheimer’s Read More »
For most people with dementia, the desire to express thoughts and feelings remains active far longer than the ability to do so. Communication impairment is a common early concern in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. At OPICA, we understand that art is a personal expression and that producing art helps people with dementia recognize that their
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The University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) has published many studies on the benefits of gratitude. They focus resources on uncovering the medical benefits of giving to charity or saying thank you. We are all better off understanding the ways gratitude can improve our life because the benefits are huge. One powerful
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When memory loss separates us, we can bridge the gap by creating meaningful moments together. Imagination is inspired by this storytelling system that is specially designed for people with dementia and their families. The journal inspires a creative journey by providing images and questions to stimulate stories authored in collaborations full of joy and connection.
TimeSlips Creativity Journals Read More »
The OPICA Ladies’ Needlework Lounge held their first open house to show off their handiwork this December, just in time for the Holidays. Registered Art Therapist, Jessica Edelstein who facilitates the group shared, “The ladies gather joyfully together around the table every Friday, crafting and sharing stories as women have done for centuries, whether by quilting,
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Melissa and her Nana, Dottie, were always very close; Dottie was like a second mother to her. The oldest of three siblings, it was understood that Melissa would be the one to take care of their grandmother as she got older, a challenge from the beginning illustrated by a story that Melissa recounts. When, in
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While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, research supports that yoga and meditation aid prevention of cognitive decline and for many improves symptoms of dementia. This research also supports that participation in yoga and meditation provides socialization that helps Alzheimer’s and dementia patients improve their quality of life. Read the full article HERE. OPICA’s Brain
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A common experience by people living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is the inability to initiate a task. Often, a person living with memory loss needs cues or direction to stimulate conversation or motivate them towards an activity. This lack of self-direction should not be mistaken for a lack of interest in engagement.
How Sensory Stimulation Helps Alzheimer’s Patients Read More »