CROTON-ON-HUDSON – Once a week, a small group gathers in Croton-on-Hudson to spend four hours of engaging conversation and activity. They share stories about their day to day lives, discuss current events, talk about their past, participate in mind and body exercises, sing and play musical instruments. An eclectic group, ranging in age from 67- 92, they also bring insight from their experiences as a nun, school teacher, grocery-store owner, city worker, childcare professional and mechanic, further enhancing the group dynamic.
Although strangers to each other at first, and from diverse backgrounds, they share a common denominator which has created a unique bond among them – each person is experiencing Early Memory Loss. This diagnoses is characterized by subtle changes in memory function, not hugely debilitating, initially, as people can continue to live in the community, work and have active lives, but enough of a change to realize something is different and needs to be acknowledged.
So once a week they come to Bethel’s Memory Boosters, a program designed specifically for people in this transitional, less-emphasized phase of memory loss. Realizing there were few resources available for this level of memory impairment, Bethel applied for, and received, a grant from the Brookdale Foundation, an organization which designs and funds programs to enhance the lives of seniors.
As a result, Bethel started the program earlier this year to provide support for people who have either been diagnosed with Early Memory Loss or who have begun to notice changes in their memory, even without an official diagnosis.
Says Marsha Schlig, LMSW, and Program Director, “Memory Boosters offers a place for people to come and be themselves, and not have to worry about feeling embarrassed or judged.” She continued, “It can be a difficult time for people who are just learning how to handle their memory loss. They are often not ready to share their situation with family or friends, and find Memory Boosters to be a “haven” where they receive friendly support from professionals and their peers in a comfortable, private setting.”
Ms. Schlig, and program assistant, Megan Graby, a recreation therapist at Bethel Nursing Home, have developed a routine for the group’s weekly meeting which also includes an educational component to understand the changes that are happening and ways to manage/enhance memory function. Says Ms. Schlig, “the day starts with a quick warm-up to stimulate the brain such as naming 10 foods that are white or identifying authors of famous quotes. Then we discuss the homework assignment from the previous week, as well as discuss any concerns or progress members may have experienced since our last meeting.”
Using resources designed for memory enhancement, Ms. Schlig offers practical methods and hints on how to remember. “The basic premise is that everything we learn, comes through our senses such as hearing and seeing. If we can take deliberate note of that when processing a thought or information, it may help with our recall later,” she explains. Thus, many of the memory enhancing techniques and tips stem from that approach.
In addition to brain exercises, the group also devotes time for physical activity, including Tai Chi. Time is set aside, too, for creative expression which allows members to share their talents, individually, or as a whole. A couple of members bring their guitars and play for the group. Everyone enjoys listening or singing along. Another important component of the program is humor and it, too, is integrated into the four hours, contributing to the overall upbeat and friendly atmosphere of each gathering. Lunch is provided and offers another opportunity for relaxed socialization.
The setting at Memory Boosters is relaxed and comfortable as group members have become familiar with each other over the last five months. They easily share personal stories and readily demonstrate empathy when someone is in need of support. Nor do they hesitate to kindly tease one another, all in the spirit of genuine camaraderie.
Andrew, a former schoolteacher said he didn’t know what to expect when he first heard about Memory Boosters, but is very happy with what he found. “This is a very safe and caring place to be. I can share my experiences with others who have the same issues,” he says. “It’s a real pleasure to be here every week,” he continued. Andrew also brings his guitar to perform for the group, and sometimes his pet dog, both equally popular with the group.
“I have a hard time with change,” Angela, another member said. “For example, I like to wear the same kind of clothes every day because I’m comfortable with that.” She continued, “And when I talk to the people here, I don’t feel so weird. I like that!”
Sister Margaret regaled the group with stories of her youth when she and her sister played in an all-girl dance band. “We were terrible,” she said. “My sister played the base and I played the clarinet. Later, we played in another band and were booked by Music Corporation during the war. We performed with the USO in China, Japan and the Philippines.” Sister Margaret said she looks forward to coming to Memory Boosters every week. “It’s just been a wonderful experience. We can share our personal stories and support each other,” she said. Like Andrew, she also brings her guitar to play for the group.
Former grocery owner, Ruth, told the group about her very difficult childhood and teen years following the death of her mother when she was just two years old. She shared how it all changed when she was 16 and met a woman who would later become her mother-in-law. “She was a very kind person and she really took a liking to me,” said Ruth. “She told her son about me, so we met, and the rest is history!” she continued.
She also shared how she came to be part of Memory Boosters. An avid card player, Ruth began to notice she was having trouble remembering her strategy when it came to her turn. “You need to be fast and good to play, so I dropped out,” she says. Ruth also admits that at first she was embarrassed to tell her friends about the Memory Booster program. “Now I’m trying to get some of them to come here with me!” she says. Ruth said she enjoys Memory Boosters and loves group leaders, Marsha and Megan. “I wish we could expand it to more days,” she said.
Paul, currently a busy volunteer and former city worker, told the group, “I did have some initial trepidation about the program because I really didn’t know what to expect. Before coming here, I had taken a philosophy class and like that class, these meetings give me pause for thought.” He continued, “We enjoy each other’s company and the time we spend together each week.”
And it’s not just the group members who benefit from the program. Says Ms. Graby, “We have such a great time when we are all together.” She enjoys planning creative and functional content for the four hour sessions each week.
And Ms. Schlig agrees. “It is my favorite day of the week! I find it thrilling that we have a group of people who genuinely care about each other, are respectful to one another and do not judge each other,” she says.
The Memory Boosters program reflects Bethel’s commitment to enhance the lives of seniors and promote their independence in the community. For more information on this program, please call 914-941-7300 x3277.
