(The translation is generated by Google Translate and it might contain inaccuracies.)
(The translation is generated by Google Translate and it might contain inaccuracies.)
Life enrichment at James L. West focuses on helping individuals live their lives to the fullest. We focus on what our residents and participants are able to do now, rather than on lost abilities.
Our team works with families and caregivers to understand who our residents and program participants were before dementia affected their abilities, uncovering skills, interests and preferences unique to each individual.
We have packed the life enrichment program full of therapeutic memory support activities that help lower anxiety, increase independence and the feeling of safety and purpose, decrease behaviors and enable residents to live life with dignity, respect and joy.
When creating a person-centered approach to engagement, we ensure we meet all aspects of their wellness – social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual needs. Memory care activities that help meet these needs include woodshop, resident-inspired birthday parties, Music and Memory, Bible study, a senior education series, Namaste Care which can help reduce sundowning symptoms, and many other activities. Our team is educated on how to upgrade and downgrade activities based on those abilities and the level of engagement.
We encourage and invite our family members to become a part of the program here at the West Center! Check out our calendar of activities for your loved one’s neighborhood.
Music Therapy is a certified healthcare profession that is science-based which utilizes music to accomplish various personalized goals that are social, emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, and comfort-based.
The goals focus on assisting residents with re-gaining or maintaining abilities and functionality related to their diagnosis, personal challenges, and inspirations. Music therapy supports the residents’ sense of independence and autonomy by providing an environment for them to have the power to choose engagements and to engage as he or she feels comfortable.
Music therapy is provided in both group and individualized settings and is prioritized daily based on emergent needs. Each new resident has the opportunity to meet with the music therapist and explore how music therapy can be incorporated into their individual care plan.
Neurologic Music Therapy and Hospice & Palliative Music Therapy techniques are incorporated as appropriate to best support the personalized goals and support needs of the residents.
The Nina Maria Cole Arts and Music Series brings experiences of art and music to residents at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care. Started in 2018, the series was established in memory of Nina Maria Cole by her husband, Gary. Nina suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and lived at the James L. West Center.
As Nina’s dementia progressed, beautiful music and art reached her like nothing else could. Gary would play music on his iPhone and they would dance together in the hallways. Looing at beautiful pictures and listening to music could cut through the fog of her Alzheimer’s, even if only for short periods of time.
In recognition the arts as a healing tool, the Nina Maria Cole Arts and Music Series provides experiences for residents at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care. The “dementia-friendly” Nina Maria Cole concert series is the first of its kind with featured performances by leading Fort Worth arts organizations.
Additional Specialized Music Therapy Group programming includes Drums Alive, a sensory drumming and exercise program led by a certified “Drums Alive” instructor that utilizes stability balls along with guided movement to activate various parts of the mind and body. Residents, families, and loved ones are always welcome and encouraged to participate in the weekly Drums Alive Group.
Check the monthly calendar for dates and times.
A monthly calendar with weekly themes is also provided and indicates which house or location the music therapist will be in each day. Residents are welcome to assist with creating the weekly themes. The music therapist also adapts the weekly themes as needed based on the residents’ needs and interests.
