Senior News November, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 11

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Memories in the making taps into always-present creativity

Last chance to get $600 credit for Rx costs

Think About It - Not driving

CSL decides priorities

CNA cites judicial decision about covering patients

Media Q&A regarding the Informational Picketing

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Eunice Noack considers herself an "art hobbyist." She enjoys a variety of crafts using paper, clay, and most recently watercolors. Lately, she has taken on a new project that combines her training as a social worker with her love for art. Every other Wednesday morning she can be found at Eureka Adult Day Health Services, teaching an art class to a group of people with Alzheimer's disease and other brain impairments. Group members have started their work with watercolors, and Eunice hopes to expand to a number of other activities using watercolors, brightly colored paper and the whims of the artists.

The group will use the acclaimed Memories in the Making® program of creative art expression for Alzheimer's patients as a guide for art activities. The program was created by Selly Jenny, artist, caregiver and board member of the Orange County chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. She used the program with her mother, who had Alzheimer's. She explored how much dementia patients could reveal about themselves through the medium of art. Now the the idea has grown into an international program, a calendar, a training manual and an art exhibit.

"Alzheimer's dementia brings with it a constant reminder of failures and losses. The Memories art program is not about failure. Every picture is important and valid. Its value lies in the creative process of making the art and expressing feelings and emotions trapped inside. The ensuing sense of accomplishment brings renewed joy and self-respect to the patient," according to the Alzheimer's Association of Orange County on its web site, www.alzoc.org.

Eunice Noack came to watercolors through Mariana Krattiger's class at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center. She has taken art classes before, but her favorite medium is water colors. "I wanted to do something to help," she said. So when Mariana asked her if she'd like to teach the class at Adult Day Health, she agreed.

Eunice is originally from the Midwest. Born and raised in Iowa, she married and moved to Indiana, where she was a social worker in child welfare services. She then left to raise her daughter. After her daughter was an adult, Eunice returned to work licensing residential facilities for the elderly. She was also worked as a social worker in a hospital for people with severe developmental disabilities. When she retired at age 64, she headed west, first to Bellingham, Wash., then to San Diego. Finally, she found Eureka some three years ago. She has been enjoying herself ever since, taking art classes and sharing what she has learned with others.

The staff and clients of Eureka Adult Day Heath Services want to give a heartfelt welcome to Eunice and look forward to our work together.

Maggie Kraft, MSW, is director of the Alzheimer's Day Care and Resource Center of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center. See www.alzoc.org for more on this art program.