SHC’s Memory Keepers Program

Memory Keepers classes are a fun and engaging way to keep minds healthy and fit! 

Classes are based on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and other evidence-based programs (EBPs) that improve mood, cognition, and quality of life. Classes are designed to provide support for individuals with mild to moderate memory loss, but are also suitable to help older adults with depression, to reduce isolation, or for those who just want to stay mentally fit.

Basics of the program:

Weekly one-on-one or group classes.

• Incorporates diverse brain-stimulating activities to enhance cognition.
• Includes brain games, music and movement, discussions, learning new topics, and socialization.
• Sessions are challenging yet designed to avoid frustration.
• Facilitators are trained to maintain a supportive environment and encourage participants to work together towards success.

Benefits for both the participant and their caregiver.

• Reduces caregiver stress and helps the caregiver see the person living with dementia in a new light, at a higher function.
• Gives caregiver respite while their care-recipient attends the class.
• A shared connection among participants:
  • Participants bond with others facing memory loss, creating a sense of understanding and connection.
  • The environment allows them to be authentic and connect with peers who share similar experiences.
  • Formed friendships become integral and meaningful to individuals within these classes.
• Collaborative Learning and Confidence Building:
  • Participants work together to solve puzzles and tackle challenges.
  • Learning, discussing new topics, and engaging in conversations contribute to a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
  • This collaborative environment fosters increased confidence among participants.

Science-backed therapy:

• CST has been heavily researched and is now used in 38 countries and counting.
• For people with memory loss, the combination of medicines and this intervention provide better results than using just the meds.
• Based on CST and other EBPs that improve mood, cognition, daily function and quality of life.

Memory Keepers can be delivered in a group setting, or one-on-one, either in-person or virtually. If you’re interested, contact us to learn more or enroll in a weekly class. 

Time for Dinner!

Sometimes, as we age, cooking dinner can become a challenge. Sometimes, at any age, it’s hard to muster up the energy and time to prepare a quality meal. This is where Time for Dinner comes in. Based in Brentwood, Time for Dinner is a meal assembly service dedicated to preparing quality meals.

The meals offered change every month, providing a variety of seasonal dishes that are easy to assemble, cook and clean up.

Time for Dinner offers the option for customers to assemble their own dishes in a scheduled session or to purchase ready-made dishes by pre-ordering online or simply stopping in and selecting meals from their freezer.

To learn more, visit their website at www.timefordinner.com, or reach them at 314-968-8463.

Get to Know…Joyce Patrick

Joyce is one of the newest members of the SHC Office Staff. She handles client billing, employee payroll, accounts payable, and other bookkeeping duties.  We’re thrilled to have her on the team!

Fun facts about Joyce:

• One of 10 children – she has six brothers and three sisters.
• Has four daughters and seven grandsons.
• Started working when she was 10 years old.
• Goal is to visit all 50 states.

Work This Balance Tip into Your Daily Routine

Especially as we age, it’s important to maintain our balance. One great way is to work this easy exercise into your daily routine while brushing your teeth.

• While brushing, use your other hand to gently touch the edge of the sink or counter to help you stabilize.
• Then, lift one leg off the ground.
• Keep standing tall for 30 seconds with the leg raised.
• Then switch legs and repeat.

Stroke Awareness

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes are a medical emergency, and every second counts, because time lost is brain lost.
Over the years, we have seen numerous instances of SHC Caregivers saving the day by acting quickly and dialing 911 upon noticing the signs of a client having a stroke.

Know these stroke warning signs and share them with others:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay! Call 911 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number immediately. Also, check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared. It’s important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Source: American Heart Association

May Fleming Award Winners

Every month we award the May Fleming Award (named for founder Kit Whittington’s grandmother and inspiration for starting SHC) to a caregiver who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. These are our most recent winners!

February – Ryan N.

 

March – Lawanda L.

April – Jennifer J.

Testimonial

Seniors’ caregivers were thoughtful and considerate. I especially appreciated Seniors’ efforts to have the same caregiver despite what must be an overwhelming challenge.
                                Mary Lou W.
 

Highlighted Service

Specialized Services: Home Organizing, Downsizing & Decluttering

Improve your living space, develop a plan, and stay motivated with a positive coach. Organizing and downsizing can be overwhelming. We can help identify heirlooms to be passed along to family members, as well as arrange for items to be donated, recycled or thrown away. Improve safety and peace of mind through a clean living space.