Unique Therapy Programs

Nurse and rehabilitation patient Alden Courts of Waterford’s Life Enrichment Program offers a variety of evidenced-based, therapeutic programs and recreational activities that provide many health and quality-of-life benefits for our residents. These are all included in your loved one’s set of services.

Animal Therapy – “Best Friend Program”

“Even people with Alzheimer’s recognize a dog and they see that the dog is someone new in their environment. I think they see it as someone with whom they can interact without any worry.” – Mara M. Baun, DNSc, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at the Houston School of Nursing. Learn more about the benefits of Animal Therapy.

All sessions are guided by a certified Pet Therapist through the Humane Society, and through the use of Alden’s aviary birds, fish tank, and Vibra Purr™ kittens, which are part of the technology-based services we offer.

  • Instills the feeling of unconditional love
  • Meets a need of caring for others
  • Increases physical activity
  • Improves restful sleep
  • Provides tactile, visual and auditory stimulation
  • Increases fun and enjoyment

Music Therapy – “Cadence Program”

“Music Therapy treatment is efficacious and valid with older persons who have functional deficits in physical, psychological, cognitive or social functioning.” — American Music Therapy Association. Learn more about the benefits of Music Therapy.

All sessions are guided by our certified Music Therapist who specializes in memory care.

  • Provides cognitive and auditory stimulation
  • Increases alertness, orientation and decreases confusion
  • Increases fun and enjoyment

Art Therapeutic Program – “Expressions Program”

Art projects can create a sense of accomplishment and purpose. They can provide the person with dementia — as well as caregivers — an opportunity for self-expression.” — Alzheimer’s Association. Learn more about the benefits of Art Therapy.

All sessions are guided by our certified Art Therapist who specializes in memory care.

  • Provides cognitive and visual stimulation
  • Increases manual dexterity
  • Improves mood
  • Allows for expression through art when words are hard to find
  • Increases fun and enjoyment

Light Therapy – “Exposure Program”

“Low light level therapy could be used as a preventive intervention in people who present risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease, such as those with chronic cerebrovascular hypoperfusion, mild cognitive impairment, or a history of head trauma…” – Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

All sessions are guided by our memory care professionals and certified Aromatherapist and Herbalist.

  • Increases Vitamin D
  • Decreases sundowning
  • Improves restful sleep
  • Decreases pain and circulation issues
  • Improves mood

Aromatherapy – “Sensations Program”

A clinical trial on the effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009 showed improvement in cognition for all patients involved in this study, 60% of whom had Alzheimer’s disease.

All sessions are guided by our memory care professionals and aromatherapist and herbalist Mary Beth Janssen.

  • Provides cognitive and olfactory stimulation
  • Increases appetite
  • Decreases pain issues
  • Improves mood

Intergenerational Program – “Nurture Program”

“The dolls can become an integral part of a senior’s life, and caring for the doll as they would care for a baby becomes a major part of their day-to-day responsibilities. Doll therapy … may bring back some happy memories of early parenthood and help make seniors feel useful and needed.” — www.Alzheimers.net

All sessions are guided by our memory care professionals using lifelike infant dolls.

  • Provides cognitive, tactile, auditory and visual stimulation
  • Encourages nurturing skills
  • Instills the feeling of unconditional love
  • Improves mood

Horticulture Program – “Nature Lovers Program”

The American Horticultural Therapy Association supports the use of horticulture activities with patients with dementia. Learn more about the benefits of Horticultural Therapy.

All sessions are guided by our Master Gardener and memory care professionals.

  • Increases manual dexterity
  • Improves mood
  • Provides tactile, visual and cognitive stimulation

Relaxation Program – “Retreat Program”

“While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, research suggests yoga and meditation may play a role in prevention and improve symptoms and quality of life for patients …” – Yoga Journal

  • Combines aromatherapy, massage, breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation
  • Allows for relaxation and encourages rest time
  • Improves mood and decreases aggressive tendencies
  • Provides an opportunity for the brain to ‘take a break’
  • Increases restful sleep
  • Decreases the potential for skin issues or falls

Spiritual Program – “Inner Bliss Program”

“Many seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease have relied on their religious beliefs to provide comfort, peace, and happiness throughout their lives. When a person experiences memory loss, their spiritual needs must be realized and fulfilled in order to maintain an important facet of their lives.” – Shadowbox Press

  • Connects the mind, body, and spirit
  • Encourages reflection and relaxation
  • Allows those to connect to a higher power if they wish
  • Provides comfort

At Alden Courts of Waterford, we offer a holistic, comprehensive approach to quality care and services for individuals with memory care issues.