HOPE Programs
MaryAnn’s Babies & Pets
Doll or Pet Therapy involves offering dolls/pets to adults who are living with dementia and other medical conditions with the goal of improving their comfort, engagement, and quality of life. Doll/Pet therapy is typically used for people who are in the middle or late stages of dementia.
Benefits:
- Non-pharmacologic way to address challenging emotions and behaviors
- No medication side effects or drug interactions
- Distraction and comfort
Results:
- Increased smiling
- A decrease in challenging behaviors
- Enhanced feelings of purpose by serving as a caregiver for something
Read more about this effective treatment here and here.
Would you like to apply to be a recipient of a doll or pet? Fill out our form here.
Rays of HOPE
- Transportation to see a loved one
- A night away
- A birthday or anniversary celebration
- A little self-care
- Respite
Dementia Activity Boxes
Activity boxes designed for individuals with dementia or memory loss while in the hospital, rehab or memory care. Experiences of other activity box programs show benefits such as alleviating some of the anxiety and restlessness that occurs when someone with dementia is taken out of their familiar environment, improvements in mood, and better communication.
The boxes contain a photo album, book, playing cards, sensory objects, and other items.
Would you like to request an activity box? Fill out our form here.
HOPE Walks Trail Maps
The HOPE Walks Trail Map series was developed in partnership with Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington for public use, with a special focus on aging populations, including those with dementia and those who care for them. Studies have been shown that time outdoors has a positive health impact on individuals with dementia as with all populations. Maps were designed as a resource focusing on accessible nature trails, with this broader health focus in mind.
A team that included HOPE and Vancouver Parks & Recreation volunteers along with Super Nature Adventures worked together during content planning meetings to select trails with natural beauty and accessible features. Each map was designed with the needs of aging populations and individuals with dementia in mind, using a larger font and clear graphics to delineate the features. Each map also includes activities on the reverse side focusing on sensory experiences, designed for multigenerational use.
The maps are available at A Caring Closet with more locations to be added soon or by contacting HOPE by email at alwayshopeinfo@gmail.com.
Or maybe you’d like to print the trail maps for Lacamas Lake, Columbia River or Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge out? Go here.
Dementia Friends
HOPE Dementia Support is proud to announce our recent collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) to bring Dementia Friendly Washington to Clark County!
Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities! Learn about dementia and how you can best support those in your community with dementia.
If you are interested in scheduling a Dementia Awareness Information Session for yourself, friends, club, business, neighborhood meeting, or any other group, please contact us at dementiafriendsclarkco@gmail.com or call HOPE at (360) 513-5754.
Music
Music and Memories is a monthly group facilitated by board certified music therapists for those with memory loss and their care partners.
The use of music has been demonstrated to alleviate difficult behaviors while “connecting people with their specific histories, restoring emotions, and awakening even long-lost memories. Since music engages the brain (especially areas that correspond to pleasure, movement, and memory) more fully than any other type of stimulus”. The therapists play accordion and guitar and provide instruments such as drums and rattles for the participants to use as they sing along.
In the Music At Home program, HOPE provides an Echo Dot that allows our participants to play specific playlists through Spotify. We use a Personalized Music Survey to assist care partners in determining the playlists and HOPE volunteers assist in setting it all up.
HOPE also offers individual music therapy at home as part of respite for the care partner.
If you have questions or to receive assistance, contact us at (360) 513-5754 or alwaysHOPEinfo@gmail.com