Fellowship and activities for the elder...
Respite and peace of mind for the caregiver
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Aden Program offers social engagement and activities for the young at heart,
embracing those with memory impairment, as well as providing respite and peace of mind
for the loved one caring for them daily.
FOR THE CAREGIVER, the Aden Program provides an often-needed interval of rest or relief. The program also provides caregivers with personal time away during the day in which to address their own needs while supporting the efforts of the family to keep their loved one in the home environment, thus contributing to the quality of the life for the entire family.
FOR THE PARTICIPANT, the Aden Program provides a safe, loving environment focused on the well-being of each participant, catering to adults with dementia, memory issues, and those aging alone at home who can benefit greatly from social interaction.
Each day in the Aden Program involves a variety of activities including
social, creative, intellectual, spiritual and recreational programming along with a healthy lunch.
• Coffee and Conversation
• Group Crossword Puzzles
• Music
• Crafts
• Reminiscing
• Intergenerational Programs
• Art Therapy
• Card Games
• Front Porch Sittin’
• Show and Tell
Other Recent Activities
We enjoyed a clay crafting project as well as a presentation by Gail Kaliszeski on a recent trip to Scotland.
We were visited by Godly Play practitioner/story teller Ashley Bond. She is the Director of Formation at Trinity Episcopal Church, and she was happy to volunteer her time and talents for us. The mission of Godly Play is to make meaning through story, wonder, and play.
Volunteer Harriet Riley brought our participants' Christmas memories to life by capturing thoughts through poetry. The nursery school kids serenated us with Christmas carols! Volunteer Ted Kennedy also entertained on his guitar and Enrique led some lively exercise sessions!
Pianist Jeanne Breazeale, singer Larry Folse, and trumpter Larry "Rico" Talerico entertained us. Later in the month we rewrote the lyrics to Fleetwood Mac's song "Don't Stop!" and Pastor Ashley Brown led us in a sound bath!
Aden folk sure know how to party! We celebrated Christmas in July with decked halls and delicious frozen hot chocolate. We even dressed as cowboys and cowgirls and went to the races for National Cowboy Day!
Henry and Louise Bush's daughter Mary came and entertained everyone with patriotic music for the 4th of July on her violin! We played Military Bingo in honor of Memorial Day and enjoyed a visit from Louellen and Darryl Berger who shared their bounty of home-grown string beans and cabbage!
We held a Kentucky Derby party, made sandwiches and packed food bags for the homeless and for Raintree Children & Family Services, danced to oldies, enjoyed our regular ukulele player, Jenny Baldwin, and celebrated our mothers!
Participants enjoyed a jazz sing-along and even wrote their own songs with the help of Carissa, a student in Loyola University's music therapy program. A fluffle of Nursery School bunnies came to deliver Easter basket treats! While on their Spring Break, Kat's grandchildren Asher and Angelle led a picture card matching game and even a ring toss onto Asher's bunny ears. We've also had parties for St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, and the Olympics.
Our Staff
ANN LOOMIS, Aden Program Director
Ann comes to us with over 15 years experience working with senior adults, as the former Director of Community Life at Christwood Retirement Community. Ann is passionate about the arts and established an art gallery at Christwood to share local artist work with the residents. Ann is a mother of two and proud grandmother of six.
Ann can be reached at 504-895-8035 or via email by clicking here.
KAREN LOUISE CRAIN, Aden Program Assistant Director
Karen joins the Aden Program after a career as a fundraiser, specializing in Event Management and Client Development. She has a passion for the arts and is a natural hostess. Her family lives in Gentilly Terrace and she is a member of the Krewe of ‘tit Rex.
Karen can be reached at 504-723-6593.
Testimonials
“We were so glad to find the Aden Program. We considered other programs targeted to older adults, but they either did not consider memory care or seemed more like day care". - Participant
“He really looks forward to getting together with his friends at the “lunch bunch” each Tuesday and Thursday. Meanwhile as a caregiver I get a needed break, for errands, appointments, lunch with friends, or sometimes just a bit of down time by myself.”
- Family Member
“...the volunteer assistants, visitors and guest speakers really enrich the program by sharing their numerous talents and life stories...smiles and hugs, and sometimes a puppy dog or two!” - Family Member
“I have always been among people – active, traveling, going to plays, etc. But I’ve been sitting at home alone. My fuzzy memory keeps me from going out and being involved in what I used to love. Our conversation and friendships here are so great for me.” - Participant
“Good food, great companionship, and I enjoy sharing experiences with everyone.” - Participant
“Good food, great companionship, and I enjoy sharing experiences with everyone.” - Participant
Respite for All Foundation
The Aden Program joined with Respite For All Foundation, a program established in 2012 at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery Alabama. By partnering with Respite For All, we are able to tap into their many resources, experience and mentoring.
Click here to learn about the Respite For All program:
Click here to hear how meaningful volunteering is!
