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The needs of older
aging persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD)
are generally in line with needs of other elderly individuals found in our
communities. Though the needs of persons with MR/DD share a common base
with the needs of the general population studies have shown, for example,
that the gene that causes Down’s Syndrome is linked with the early onset of
Alzheimer’s disease in many Down’s individuals. Another cause of early onset
aging may be the result of inadequate service delivery systems, which has
led to the lack of provision of adequate, appropriate and timely services
earlier in the lives of these affected people.
In response to this need, New Avenues to Independence, Inc.,
has developed a comprehensive and coordinated program that
provides services that are specialized to the needs of the aging and aged
adult with MR/DD. The overall goals for the New Avenues Seniors Day Activity
Program are:
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To maintain and improve the level of physical and mental
health required to functionally perform in the environment; and
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To develop interest and participation in meaningful
activities that will enhance the individual's quality of life.
These goals form the basis for individual and group
programming and offer direction to providing quality services for the
program participants.
Four defined program areas are designed to meet individual
needs and achieve the program goals. They include an emphasis on the
following:
1.
Reality Orientation
Reality orientation
is a program that brings awareness to the individual regarding the time,
place, persons or things of interest that will help him/her become grounded
in reality. This segment of programming helps the individual determine
where s/he is, who he is, what surrounds him in the environment, and what
relationship and responsibility he has to them.
The human senses
are worked with, to be developed and maintained at an effective level
whenever possible. Re-motivation, an important aspect of maintaining a
healthy attitude about oneself, are addressed through techniques and
exercises that center around the individual’s purpose in life and
developing a direction for everyday living.
2.
Nutrition and Health
This program is divided into three areas:
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Educational
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Nutritional Meals
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Health Check-ups
A substantial
nutritional diet is essential to everyone, especially elderly individuals,
to maintain and develop a healthy body and attitude. If elderly individuals
do not receive a well-balanced, nutritional diet, they deteriorate both
physically and mentally. With the direction of the agency dietary staff,
careful observation must be kept to insure that proper foods are eaten
daily,
In conjunction with
nutrition, health screenings are a necessary part of the seniors program.
With the aid of the agency residential and nursing staff, areas such as
blood pressure, pulse, temperature, personal hygiene and special health
concerns are monitored regularly.
3.
Physical Fitness Development
To improve and/or
maintain the present level of physical fitness, including cardiovascular
endurance, flexibility and strength, this program emphasizes using active
joints and muscles on a daily basis. The objective of physical fitness
program segment addresses the physical activity necessary to perform
everyday functional tasks, such as climbing steps, walking, dressing and
undressing, rising from a seated position, stooping or bending, entering and
exiting a vehicle, etc.
Through a
structured program design of therapeutic exercise, recreational activities
and aquatic therapy, physical fitness in the areas of muscular strength,
conditioning and endurance, motor skill coordination, flexibility of the
joints, and relaxation training are accomplished.
4.
Activities of Daily Living
Functional,
age-appropriate activities for program participants are a major component of
the Seniors Program. They provide a meaningful way for the individual to
develop and express his/her interests, become involved in productive
activities, and provide a sense of pride and accomplishment, while being an
important part of a social group.
The key concept
that a small group strategy encourages a sense of “belonging” is
implemented, whether the individual chooses active or passive
participation. Sensory stimulation — the sights, sounds, smells and tastes
of all program activities — is an experience shared by all participants.
In a broader sense,
belonging to the community is also a vital part of one’s activities of daily
living. Community-based outings are regularly scheduled for social
integration activities: dining out, shopping, sightseeing, museum visits,
concerts, picnics, fairs, festivals, etc. Representatives from an array of
community organizations are invited to the program to provide
instruction, education and resources in various areas of interest as
identified by the participants.
New Avenues to
Independence meets the challenge of building, enriching and continuously
improving its Seniors Day Activity Program for those with MR/DD by designing
activities that respect the participant’s age, interests and dignity. To be
effective, activities must fulfill the participant’s needs, give them
self-respect, a feeling of being useful, and offer them learning
experiences.
For additional information,
contact:
Thomas M. Lewins
Executive Director
17608 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44112
(216) 481-1909 x355
tlewins@newavenues.net
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