Healing Moments is part of a scientific study on caregiving. In 2014, researchers at the University of Iowa department of neurology – Edmarie Guzman-Velez, Ph.D. and Kelsey Spalding, Ph.D. Candidate, launched a caregiver intervention study using the Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s Family Caregiving Workshop. Data was collected measuring the efficacy of the workshop on reducing caregiver stress as well as improving quality of life for both person with dementia and their caregivers.
Family Caregivers
"The emotion behind the failing words is far more important than the words themselves, and needs to be validated. Assume the patient can still register feelings that matter."
~Joanne Koenig Coste, Author, Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s
The members of the Healing Moments’ Team have studied about and lived with Alzheimer's disease. Through our experiences and witness we have learned that when we look beneath memory loss and the inability to reason, persons with Alzheimer's and dementia can reveal to us the true value of Life: theirs AND ours.
From the perspective of love and respect for persons with Alzheimer's and their families, our workshops and support groups invite caregivers to say "Yes" to Life with Alzheimer's. Our programs include conversations about Healing vs. Cure, about Hope for Healing and Transformation, about our capacity to make a difference in the lives of persons with Alzheimer's, and about their capacity to make a difference in our lives.
The value we have discovered and witnessed in the lives of persons with Alzheimer's and dementia is the foundation of our programs.
About
As the number of persons with Alzheimer's and other diseases of dementia increase, the stress experienced by their caregivers is becoming overwhelming to individuals and more evident to society. Under the burden of this stress, both caregivers and persons with dementia suffer. According to the Alzheimer's Association, one way to reduce caregiver stress is to "accept changes as they occur." Accordingly, research indicates that the most effective coping technique for reducing caregiver stress is acceptance.
The primary goal of the Healing Moments for Alzheimer's workshops and programs for families is to encourage this group of caregivers to adopt an attitude of "Yes," which we interpret as an attitude of Acceptance and Affirmation. Combining the gentle spiritual practice of accepting reality (versus denial or resistance) and the energizing improvisational practice of saying "Yes!" to what is, caregivers discover creative ways to reduce conflict and enjoy more peaceful and meaningful relationships with their loved ones.
Using techniques drawn from improvisational theatre that are grounded in Validation Therapy, Habilitation Therapy, and Act and Commitment Therapy, Healing Moments’ training is described as enlightening, inspiring, life-changing, awesome, and Great Fun!
These compassionate programs teach caregivers how to implement the recommended interventions for addressing the challenges and stressors experienced by Alzheimer's caregivers by:
- Combining basic information about Alzheimer's disease and quality of life issues for persons with Alzheimer's,
- Teaching caregivers to communicate in ways that promote self-esteem and dignity for all,
- Offering spirituality as a way to find healing and meaning in the face of an incurable illness,
- Providing caregivers with the opportunity to acknowledge their feelings of loss and grief in a safe, supportive environment,
- Showing caregivers a way to experience joy and celebrate the beauty of living in this precious moment with their loved ones.
Objectives
Caregivers who attend Meeting Alzheimer's will develop a deeper understanding of their loved ones with Alzheimer's; and they will learn and practice skills for:
- Improving communications and interactions with their loved ones,
- Enhancing the quality of their own lives and the lives of their loved ones,
- Reducing the stress and distress of caregiving,
- Creating healing moments, laughter, and joy while connecting with their loved ones,
- Becoming empowered and effective in the role of caregiving.
Requests
So those with allergies and sensitivities may attend in good health, all Healing Moments' programs are Fragrance Free. Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented care products.
Book Now!
For more information or to schedule a Healing Moments program, please contact:
Jade Angelica
jadeangelica@gmail.com
563-582-4724
"The person with Alzheimer's is eventually swept away, while caregivers look back and feel forever changed by their experience." ~Stephen Post, Ph.D.,
Author, The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer's Disease
Meeting Alzheimer's reminds participants that in the midst of Alzheimer's disease there are DEEP MOMENTS.