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Alzheimers Support - Harrisonburg, Caregivers Community Network

implement evidence-based activities and techniques that are proven to improve the quality of life for older adults and those living with dementia. While this is not a medical model, CCN offers the following social-emotional components: Socialization: Researchers have shown that incorporating socialization into the daily routines of older adults and those with dementia can help in the following ways: preserve cognitive function, help manage stress and depression, dispels social isolation and improves the overall quality of life. Ways to implement: conversations, playing games that encourage interaction, cooking with conversation, storytelling Cognitive stimulation: Researchers have shown that engaging the mind in stimulating activities support those who are older adults or those with dementia in the following ways: improve cognitive function, delay cognitive decline, and improve daily functioning. Ways to implement: puzzles, games, reading together, doing simple math, playing musical instruments, crossword puzzles Reminiscence: Researchers have shown that incorporating reminiscence into interactions with older adults with or without dementia can: improve mood and ability to interact, improve behavior and cognition, assist with reducing depression, contribute to life satisfaction, maintain quality of life, and improve the ability to perform activities of daily living. Ways to Implement: Look at photo albums, make a scrapbook, read old letters/magazines/newspapers, look at and choose long-standing family recipes Physical Activity: Researchers have shown that incorporating physical activities into the lives of those with dementia may help in the following ways: improve memory and physical health, improve decision making and attention concerns. Ways to implement: walks, working in the yard, bowling, putt putt, hand massage, aromatherapy (Researchers have shown that using aromas may: promote relaxation, decrease stress and anxiety, increase motivation, and assist in developing healthy sleep patterns.) Self-Care: Learning about and implementing research based self-care practices offers students, care receivers, and also caregivers the chance to refuel the spirit, and refresh the mind and body. Self-care is essential to the well-being of caregivers and when neglected can cause much distress and a breakdown in the ability to age in place for both the caregiver and the loved one. Ways to implement: spending time in nature, enjoying music, creative arts activities, deep breathing, engaging joy and laughter, practicing self-compassion.

Physical Address

755 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Application process

Referral is Needed from Valley Program for Aging Serices, contact them at 540-949-7141

Service area

Harrisonburg, VA

Agency info

Caregivers Community Network

The Caregivers Community Network is a collaborative effort between Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) and James Madison University's Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services. The goal of this program is to provide respite to caregivers of those who are 60 years old and older. JMU students are trained to offer this service and make weekly visits throughout the semester in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. They earn college credit for their hours of volunteer service! This program has been recognized with Second Place Best Practices Award 2018 from the Commonwealth Council on Aging. A family application can be obtained through VPAS or from Kathy Guisewite.