Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Comprehensive Care Initiative
The USF Rath Senior ConNEXTions and Education Center supports a comprehensive care collaborative that is dedicated to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and support for individuals directly and indirectly affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The primary goal of the collaborative is to ease the burden of individuals diagnosed with dementia and their loved ones by increasing awareness concerning early detection and accurate diagnosis, and by connecting individuals at the earliest possible juncture with the information, resources, and support they so desperately need. Numerous programs and services are available free of charge including memory screenings, support groups (respite care provided), creativity programs, educational seminars, referrals, and individual consultations.
Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education (BASE)
Introduction
The BASE program was developed by Stefanie Thompson, Alzheimer's Association-FGCC Program Specialist, in partnership with Dr. Aryn Bush, USF Polytechnic, for the purpose of education, encouragement, and support for individuals facing early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementia diagnoses.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Beginning Alzheimer's Support & Education (BASE) program is to provide education, support, resources, and skills building tools to individuals who are directly or indirectly affected by early-stage Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The BASE program utilizes a multi-dimensional approach; individuals with dementia and their carepartners have the opportunity not only to learn about the disease itself, but also to develop valuable support networks and resources that will be essential as the disease progresses. Early intervention is imperative in order to ensure the healthiest journey for individuals with dementia and carepartners alike.
The BASE program consists of nine weekly sessions; each two hour session is dedicated equally to education and support. The last session of the nine-week series, participants graduate to Beyond BASE-an ongoing support group comprised of in-person meetings and online groups, in addition to the Transcending Limitations through Creativity (TLC) program. Further, BASE Updates are held for participants who have graduated from the initial BASE program in order to provide further educational opportunities.
Main educational topics to be covered during the first nine weeks include:
(1) Overview and Introduction (2) Basics of Dementia, (3) Living Day to Day: Driving and Nutrition, (4) Communication and Intimacy, (5) "Skills Building" / Relaxation Techniques & "Effective Thinking", (6) Feelings / Emotional Well Being, (7) Medications and Current Research, (8) Planning for the Future (Legal and Financial Issues) and (9) TLC Creativity Program Introduction
Transcending Limitations through Creativity (TLC) Program
The TLC program is in partnership with Arts Ensemble Healing Arts Centre. This program was developed by Aryn Bush, Ph.D., Q.D.C.P., and Stefanie Thompson. Please refer to the News Chief (September 6, 2008) article below for a detailed description:
"Recent investigation into the arts and cognition has revealed a strong positive relationship. At the USF Polytechnic Rath Senior ConNEXTions and Education Center, Dr. Aryn Bush has seen not only the therapeutic effects of art but also the interrelationship between art and cognitive function in people with dementia. Encouraged by recent findings and the innovative work of New York's Museum of Modern Art, Bush and Stefanie Thompson, program specialist for the Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter in Lakeland developed the Creativity and Cognition Initiative (CCI). It includes the Transcending Limitations through Creativity (TLC) program, which uses creativity to stimulate cognitive processes in individuals with and without dementia. ‘The program not only strives to stimulate processing through the learning of new information but also acts as a catalyst for consistent socialization,' says Bush, a cognitive aging specialist and visiting instructor at USF Polytechnic." Full Article
Once participants complete the BASE program, they are eligible to participate in the TLC program. The TLC program is facilitated by artist, Richard Powers, faith-based community nurse, Elizabeth Weber, Dr. Aryn Bush, and Stefanie Thompson. Mr. Powers guides the participants in various forms of creative expression. Level of cognition and competence is considered throughout the creative process. The TLC group meets the first and fourth Mondays of each month at Arts Ensemble Healing Arts Centre. The TLC program is held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The Arts Ensemble donates space, materials, and expertise for the TLC program. At this point in time, admittance to the TLC program is limited to BASE program graduates, although special considerations may be made for unique cases.
Beyond BASE
Beyond BASE encompasses the ongoing, individualized support groups for BASE program graduates. Care-partners and individuals with a dementia diagnosis meet separately in a support group that is structured based on the variable needs of the attendees. Beyond BASE support groups currently meet the second Monday of each month from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Arts Ensemble Healing Arts Centre and are facilitated by Elizabeth Weber, R.N., and Virginia Culbert.
Beyond BASE Online
Beyond BASE Online is a virtual support group for BASE program graduates intended to bridge the gap between monthly meetings. Beyond BASE Online operates 24-hours a day, 7 days per week. Thus, if an issue arises, members can consult with one another online for support.
Meet Me at MoMA
Meet Me at MoMA is a program for dementia patients and caregivers designed by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Dr. Aryn Bush and Stefanie Thompson have formed a partnership with MoMA and are in the process of developing the program to fit the needs of Polk County residents. The Arts Ensemble Healing Arts Centre in Winter Haven and the Polk Museum of Art have committed to helping develop and host adaptations of Meet Me at MoMA in Polk County. Dr. Aryn Bush and Stefanie Thompson will provide dementia training to the staff and volunteers who will be facilitating the program and interacting with the participants. Additionally, the Dementia Advisory Council of Polk County members have volunteered to assist with specific components of the program. Once program development is complete, the programmatic adaptation of Meet Me at MoMA will be open to all members in the community (i.e., unlike the TLC program, all individuals in the Polk County community who are affected directly or indirectly by dementia are free to attend).