MEMORIES IN THE MAKING

Description

Memories in the Making originated at the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter in 1988. The program was developed by Selly Jenny, who endeavored to create a meaningful activity for people like her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Selly succeeded, as research indicates Memories in the Making programs have a positive impact on physical health, mental health, and social functions of older adults living with Alzheimer’s.

Today, the program is in care facilities and adult day care programs throughout the United States and in three countries, and it is estimated there are over 4,000 artists participating in a program each week. The program can also be used on a one-on-one basis for patients living at home.

Memories In The Making with Angel Duncan

Memories in the Making Revised Program Manual …

incorporates the basic philosophy of the Memories art program with the latest and newest techniques tried and tested over the years since the original publication for the Orange County Chapter by Selly Jenny in 1993. The manual contains information to assist anyone who is interested in starting a Memories in the Making art class.

I wrote the Memories in the Making (MIM)book to memorialize the best practices of talented art facilitators across the country, and to provide a framework for expanding the program to new locations. I believe it is essential to unite our combined knowledge in one central location to ensure longevity of this beneficial creative art activity, which has been recognized nationally as a model for dementia care. The book is based on over twenty years of experience with the MIM program, and my own experiences as art facilitator. The following is just a glimpse of the topics addressed:

• Art examples and success stories
• History of the MIM program
• MIM Modalities (i.e. Person Centered Care and Validation Therapy
• Current research supporting MIM
• What Alzheimer’s disease is and how the disease progresses
• Detailed instructions on how to start a MIM program and conduct MIM classes
• Helpful things for engaging Alzheimer”s artists
• Listing of Alzheimer’s Association Chapters that offer MIM

As the National Memories in the Making Program consultant for the Alzheimer’s Association, Orange county, I have my finger on the pulse of MIM and I understand the growing interest in this program. I receive inquiries daily from families who are seeking a meaningful activity for their loved one, and need to know where to find a MIM program in their area.

I also receive several inquiries from activity directors who want to be trained to implement the program in their location. However, the most exiting inquiries come from students who are writing papers and/or conducting research about the benefits of MIM, because this data provides valuable insight regarding why the program is so valuable to Alzheimer’s patients. their family members, and paid caregivers. The overwhelming interest in the program was the impetus for creating a book that is easy to understand and would ecucate readers from a wide range of audiences about Memories in the Making.
∼ La Doris “Sam” Heinly, MSW