The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter offers a variety of social programs for people with dementia and their loved ones. Among them is the AlzWell Social Club, originally held in person in Westchester County, and now held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. This interactive program seeks to engage participants through a variety of activities.
It is facilitated by Debbie Marks Kahn, ATR-BC, LCAT, an art therapist whose specialties include working with geriatric and dementia populations. She said the group began around five years ago thanks to a private grant. Participants in what was then an in-person intermittent Sunday Social in White Plains wanted something to do when it wasn’t held.
“They wanted the program to be similar, including plenty of music, dancing and socializing. I changed and expanded it once we got started and saw what we really needed to do,” she said.
The AlzWell Social group is now held on selected Saturdays throughout the year. Marks Kahn said it fulfills a variety of needs for the participants.
“We fill a social need where people form great loving relationships with others in the same situation. We fill a musical need, where we hire musicians and dance therapists so our attendees can express themselves. We fill an expressive, spiritual, supportive, creative and psychological need. Our art psychotherapists offer supportive and creative groups for our participants.”
She said COVID has significantly affected the format.
“During the pandemic, we have been forced to hold our groups on Zoom. Due to our inability to focus for long times on a computer screen, we cannot stay with our clients for as long.”
While conversation over lunch that was part of the in-person program is no longer possible during COVID, the event still begins with conversation.
“During the first part of our group at 1 p.m., we start with an open discussion so members can discuss their week. Then we mix it up with various activities,” she said. These include sensory stimulation exercises designed to engage the caregiver and the person with dementia. An example of this would be a scented hand lotion massage with guided imagery, which she said can help bring up lost language and memories.
“I have taught this technique I created to staff in hospitals and nursing homes and assisted living facilities all over New York State,” Marks Kahn added.
Other activities include relaxation techniques and deep-breathing exercises to help those with early- or moderate- stage dementia manage their anxiety. Participants may do some mindfulness practices, such as counting or focusing techniques. They are also encouraged to reminisce and speak about their memories. She said she is requesting participants’ stories with a possible future compilation in mind.
“At 12:30 p.m., we continue with dance therapy and movement to music,” said Marks Kahn. This is followed by the support group part of the program at 2 p.m.
“We begin with a quick check-in and discussion and then do progressive muscle relaxation or a five-minute stretching exercise. Then we have an art therapy experiential, which includes creative writing, dialogue and deep breathing exercises. Depending on the topic of the day, this could be followed by a discussion about any challenges or successes. Then we have our closing, where we produce a positive group affirmation.”
She said the support group provides an opportunity for participants to make new friends.
“Participants from the support group have become really good friends that take care of each other,” she said. “Some of them call and email each other. And some used to go out with together until the pandemic hit. I cannot tell you how impactful our group meetings have been to our participants. We have become a lifeline to many of them.”
She said the group seeks to make everyone feel important and supported.
“After being with us, we want everyone to feel calmer and in control of themselves, loved and warm inside, like a great big hug,” she said.
Prescreening and pre-registration are required to participate by calling the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900. Those already screened can reach out directly to Marks Kahn at dkahn28@aol.com or 914.629.4464.
About the Hudson Valley Chapter
The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.
