Need info / feedback for a 94 yo w/Alzheimers

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

 

I have been doing Art Therapy, 1x week for 1 hour, with a 94 year old women with Alzheimer's for the past year... All of the projects that I have done with her are art based, in her own home... Over the course of the year, she has become significantly more confused (i.e. unable to recognize or spell her name, speaking to me in another language, etc.)... Whatever interest she may have had in doing art, has subsided... Two weeks ago, I tried flower arranging with her, and even though she likes flowers, this wasn't enough to keep her stimulated.  I suggested (to her daughter) that aromatherapy might be a good alternative... I spoke with her about using different spices, and she thought that baking cookies would be something interesting to her mother... Even though I am comfortable engaging in these non-art therapeutic activities,  I do feel like I'm slipping into unfamiliar territory...

 

I really would like to give her daughter some good solid alternatives, suggestions, or anything that would be most helpful - including names / numbers of therapists who have experience with these other modalities... I think maybe having a rotating schedule of therapists, each who engage in a different modality might provide the variety / versatility that is needed?  She is not in a nursing home, but instead has a 1:1 aide that lives with her... I am inclined to suggest enrolling in a day program, however, they previously expressed disinterest in this path...

 

I will be working with this client until June (at which point, I will be moving out of state)... I have already referred the family to another Art Therapist... but would like to provide names / numbers of other therapists (from the other modalities) who have experience working with similiar clients; as well as suggestions as to treatment alternatives....

 

Please, if you have any experience, suggestions, referrels, etc.. I'm all ears.  

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jodi