Vascular Dementia

Biography

Biography: Ann Marie Selfridge

Abstract

Adults Communicating Together, A.C.T. is a comprehensive educational/social program that focuses on strengthening the brain functions of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The A.C.T. program uses an innovative educational classroom model to engage participants with AD/D in exercises that promote learning and enhance cognitive stimulation. The A.C.T. Care Group recognizes the importance for people with AD/D to be involved in structured and closely managed educational/social groups that improves people’s ability to focus on their surroundings and increases participation in daily tasks to the highest possible levels. A.C.T Care professionals are trained to provide a nurturing and secure environment for all participants. The A.C.T. staff implements techniques that encourage people to maintain their health/hygiene, independence and ability to keep involved in activities of daily living. The A.C.T. program focuses on exercises in memory, physical movement and motor strengthening skills. Using a curriculum that provides repetitious consistency and structure, participants are able to successfully concentrate on tasks and keep aware of their surroundings. Participants have also demonstrated decreased wandering tendencies, less restlessness/anxiety, reduced episodes of incontinence and have desirable weight gains. The A.C.T. program goal is to increase health and cognitive functions, maximize independence, gain and maintain physical strength and provide an opportunity for people with AD/D to have a meaningful quality of life. The A.C.T. Team implements unique program strategies/methods, in an outpatient Social Adult Day setting that give people a chance to live at home with their families and remain active members in their communities.