Alzheimer's, vascular disease or any other disease process that causes dementia creates unique needs in those affected.  Caregivers need to be taught through education and example, how to successfully interact with people whose communication skills have deteriorated and how to assist with personal care when an individual is resistive.  The Program Coordinator at Memory Garden, Janice Morris, RN, provides initial training to new staff and ongoing instruction and guidance.  Janice has been certified by the Alzheimer's Association to educate staff members about Dementia Specific Care-giving techniques and serves as a volunteer staff member to that organization. She has twenty-five plus years experience working with the geriatric population and has specialized in dementia-care since the mid 1990's. She also facilitates Alzheimer's Support Groups in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association.  Place, dates and times as follows:

The second Tuesday of each month at 1:00PM:
Memory Garden
560 Fairmount Ave.
Jamestown, NY 14701

The third Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM:
Clymer Fire Hall
Rt. 474
Clymer, NY 14724

"As we adapt to the unique needs of each individual, the staff at Memory Garden has learned its most important lessons from our residents:  We have learned to reminisce as they share their life stories with us.  We have become more culturally aware as we learn about their backgrounds and traditions.  We have developed specialized approaches while interacting with many different personalities. We have learned to appreciate the benefits of non-verbal communication as our residents struggle daily to make their needs known.  And, finally, we have realized that flexibility and creativity are the most important tools to use in a disease process that affects each person in such an individualized manner."     
    
_ past employee of Memory Garden