A Recipe for Memories
Targeted Memory Program Results – Case Study 06006BFG
Case Review:
This client is a 73 year old female who was receiving companion homemaker services as a Homewatch CareGiver client – and suffering a memory impairing illness. The client’s daughter was contacted about the Pathways to Memory™ program and a meeting was set to discuss the program with her mother.
The client listened carefully – taking notes during the discussion. She interjected, on more than one occasion, that she held a PhD in Mathematics and was a college professor at a local University most of her married life. Her daughter shared that although her mother had once been more than proficient in managing the household accounts, she no longer was able to write out a simple check or add/subtract deposits and debits from her account.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the client stated that she was sure the program was beneficial for some people and wished me continued success.
Her daughter called the office later that day to say that she did want her mother signed up for the program as soon as possible. She stated that she and her brothers have noticed a dramatic change in their mother over the past 6 months and they did not want her to lose any more ground if it could be helped.
The Journey Begins
The first session:
I met with the client privately in her home to discuss the benefits of the program again and to set her schedule. She asked many questions and repeated herself over and over – but did admit that she felt her memory changing and she was frightened.
“At the end of week one”:
The Partner contacted me to say that he was not making much progress. The client continually interrupted him to question him about the origins of Homewatch CareGivers, the origins of the Pathways program, his credentials… I suggested that the Partner instruct the client to write down any questions she may have and he should plan to leave 15 minutes at the end of each session to address them. The client began to settle down after this conversation and allowed the session exercises to continue.
By the 8th week:
The Partner reports that the client is now able to sequence numbers again – a task that eluded her in the beginning and was one of her greatest sources of agitation. This exercise would trigger the client to repeat stories about her PhD in Mathematics and then she would resist the remainder of the session exercises.
Results and Outcomes
The clients’ confidence and self esteem had increased to the point her family commented on the definite improvements in her overall behavior and self assurance. The Client stated “I think I’ll start cooking for my family again. I used to love to have the family over on Sundays. I enjoy these memory exercises – I know they’ve helped me. I know I’m doing better now.”
Initial MMSE score: 20 Concluding MMSE score: 23
Increase of 10%
Initial 7 minute screen score: 24 Concluding 7 minute screen score: 54
Increase of 24%
The Journey Continues
The client is currently participating in her 2nd 12 week program. Her daughter reports “This program has definitely helped my mother. My brothers’ say that she’s more like herself again – I think it’s more than that –it’s like she understands again. And by the way… my Mom’s sauce has never tasted so good.”
The client is currently volunteering in the gift shop of a local hospital.
Pathways to Memory™ is a memory enhancing program targeted to restore cognitive abilities, skills, and independence for those who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory impairing illnesses.
Contact us for more information about Pathways to Memory™ or to locate a Pathways provider in your area.
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