Day program for Alzheimer’s patients helps them channel thoughts, emotions through art

WOODLAND PARK, Colo., (KRDO) - A senior citizen day program is offering patients with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other medical conditions a chance to channel their emotions and thoughts through art.

DayBreak offers a variety of programs, like Memories in the Making which is part of the Colorado Alzheimer's Association. The program is the only one available in Teller County that offers individualized care for those in need of little supervision and social interaction.

Twice a month at the Memories in the Making program, patients get the opportunity to paint. The art is often used to depict the few remaining words the patients want to share. The artwork also shows what's currently on their mind.

Additionally, the program gives caregivers a chance to take a break, even if just a few hours. More than 100,000 family caregivers in Colorado are taking care of family members with Alzheimer's.

Organizers of the program say art and music can be used to unlock memories and emotions, and spark conversations for patients struggling with the memory-robbing disease. Additionally, organizers say the program gives patients something to look forward to on the regular.

"It makes quite a difference, when a person is isolated it destroys some of their brain and their ability to reach out and think," said Russ, a client of the program. Since the pandemic, the program hasn't been the same in numbers.

Still, the program needs volunteers. Right now, DayBreak needs a bus driver to take clients from the program to their homes.

For more information on the program and how to get involved, click here.