Heartland Human Services Introduces Cutting Edge Memory Loss Program
Effingham, IL (PRWEB) September 05, 2013 -- Heartland Human Services, an Effingham-based behavioral health center, recently announced the creation of a new breed of respite program for care givers of people with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and general memory loss.
Heartland Harmony offers a cutting edge approach to memory loss therapy. Care givers are able to drop off their care recipients at Heartland Harmony for a four hour session of clinically-proven memory enhancement therapy.
“Heartland Harmony clients aren’t simply propped in front of a TV and left alone,” says Linda Warner, Director of Heartland Harmony. “The difference with our program is the professional engagement. Our specialized therapies will give our clients better sleep, reduced restlessness, and enhanced concentration. Plus, the care givers get a much needed break.”
Each day begins with time of reminiscing over a refreshing beverage of the season – a warm cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate on cool days and on hot weather days, iced tea, lemonade or perhaps fresh fruit smoothies are enjoyed. During the morning gathering the theme of the day is introduced, and the recipients move into some chair exercises and stretching to improve strength and balance. This leads into another physical activity. We might play pitch and catch with an indoor ball and mitt, pitch some horseshoes, play balloon volleyball or take part in a simple square dance.
By now it is lunch time. Participants bring their own lunch. Conversation during lunch brings time to share life experiences with one another. A short walk indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, helps get everyone ready for the final activities of the day—which includes singing, arts, crafts, board games, card games, dominoes, and jigsaw puzzles. Activities are adapted and designed to fit the needs of our friends.
The cause of memory loss isn’t important to Heartland Harmony caregivers. What is important is that the individuals suffering from memory loss have access to an environment where they can socialize with others, take part in brain stimulating activities and thrive as individuals.
Jeff Bloemker, executive director at Heartland Human Services, commented on the new program. “We are very fortunate to have someone of Linda Warner’s caliber on staff here at Heartland. Linda has evolved into the area’s guru on geriatric counseling and care giver methods. Heartland Harmony is a great option for the care giver and the care receiver. ”
More information about Heartland Harmony and its weekly memory enhancement sessions can be found at http://www.heartlandhs.org or by calling 217-347-7179.
About Heartland Human Services
For over 40 years, Heartland Human Services has been the behavioral health and counseling agency for Effingham County, Illinois. Providing a broad array of behavioral healthcare services, Heartland Human Services vows to serve their community and region with quality behavioral health care and rehabilitative services that assist people in their recovery process. For more information, please call (217) 347-7179, or visit Heartland Human Services online at http://www.heartlandhs.org.
Media Contact:
Ula Hynds, Heartland Human Services
Phone: 217-347-7179
Ula Hynds, Heartland Human Services, http://www.heartlandhs.org/index.htm, +1 (217) 347-7179, [email protected]
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