Farmington Station Reimagines Memory Care Through Innovative Art Therapy Program
Published in the Farmington Patch
Farmington Station Senior Living is proud to share a unique approach to arts programming that goes beyond experimenting with paint and clay. The thoughtful approach developed by Director of Compass Memory Support Programming, Katherine Jedynasty, is what sets this senior living arts program apart.
Jedynasty blends insights developed in both the fine arts and art therapy honed through her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in studio art, and Masters degree in Art Therapy and Counseling. Informed by education, creativity, and experience in therapeutic environments working with children with developmental disabilities, allows her to see the untapped potential of assisted living and memory care residents.
Farmington Station is home to a Compass Memory Support Neighborhood® specifically designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Staff take a non-pharmacological approach to treating symptoms of memory loss that includes a Mediterranean-based dining program adapted for seniors, and structured enrichment programming that includes spiritual and artistic expression and reconnecting with hobbies, both new and old. Jedynasty uses this approach to map out meaningful programming for residents with dementia.
In Farmington Station’s Compass neighborhood, Jedynasty combines her knowledge of art as therapy and her certified-dementia training with the belief that all individuals, regardless of age or cognitive impairment, are capable of creating when programs are structured with intention and empathy. She shares, “I like to think outside the box and go against the traditional types of programming that we often associate memory care with. I like removing the stigma that people with dementia cannot do the same kinds of things as their peers.”
With that in mind, Jedynasty carefully plans ahead for success, “I try to stay away from overly complicated materials, such as ones that require a lot of steps or are too messy and overwhelming. To limit distractions, I only put out supplies that they need during each step. I am always doing research and saving ideas to try with my residents.”
Residents work with all kinds of media including fabric arts, flower arranging, painting, and some mixed media projects. Some residents are hesitant to pick up a paintbrush, but with a little encouragement and a sprinkle of Jedmasty’s positivity, many are surprised by what they are able to make. “It’s a real confidence booster once they give the program a try.”
As the program grows, Jedynasty hopes to have a few, dedicated gallery spaces for works to be displayed. Right now, you can check out residents’ creative expressions by visiting the community’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FarmingtonSLR
###
Farmington Station offers local seniors personalized living options designed to help them age in place, including Assisted Living and a secure Compass Memory Support Neighborhood® for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The community was among the first in the nation to receive the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ Accreditation, which is awarded to providers who meet the highest standards in memory care. For more information, visit www.FarmingtonSLR.com.