YourHub.com Article, printed April 7, 2011
JOHNSON ADULT DAY PROGRAM:
ENJOYING THE MOMENT – THE ESSENCE OF DAYTRIPS
DENVER – March 2011 – Studies show that people with dementia and Alzheimer’s benefit greatly from adult day programming like that of the Johnson Adult Day Program (JADP) to keep them active and participating in new life experiences. Physical exercise, cognitive stimulation and social engagement are important facets of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, including people with memory loss. For someone like Mary Lycas, who has always been a very active, adventuresome and social person, her desire and need to stay active and involved has not changed despite her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
Mary is thankful to have the support of her family, including her daughter-in-law Kelli, who spends a lot of time helping take care of Mary. Through the journey of Mary’s illness, it became clear that Mary needed care and stimulation beyond what her family could provide for her. Because they had no experience with Alzheimer’s, the Lycas family began working with a care navigator who recommended JADP. JADP offers one of the most extensive Daytripping Programs for adults with limitations anywhere in the greater Denver area. Mary and the whole Lycas family have been welcomed into the caring arms of the JADP team and now Mary can’t imagine a week without JADP and its life enriching activities.
“At JADP our mission is to improve and enhance the quality of our participant’s lives. For so many people, like Mary, our Daytripping Program can help keep them active and engaged in their communities for a longer period of time,” explained Caroline Tysseland, director of JADP. “Unfortunately, memory loss is a part of many people’s lives, but it doesn’t have to be the end of life. We are here to help make that journey better and different for participants and their families.”
A nurse by training, Mary’s journey began in England – where she was born, raised and educated. At the age of 24 she decided set sail for America. From the moment you meet Mary, it is clear that nursing and caregiving are in her blood. “As a young person in my twenties I just knew what I wanted to do, it was in me,” said Mary. Perhaps that is one of the reasons JADP is such an important part of her life now. JADP is a place where everyone cares about and supports each other. Mary sees it as her “job” to share her compassion and care for her fellow JADP participants. But, Kelli explained, Mary sees the daytrips as her special treat. “One trip and we were hooked,” said Kelli.
JADP began its Daytripping Program in 1999 and it has grown to become an integral component of the quality of care JADP provides to each of its participants. JADP’s daytrips are tailored to meet the varying needs and abilities of the many participants who attend. Nearly 200 trips depart from the facility annually, providing unique opportunities for adults to have lunch out at a restaurant and experience a wide variety of activities. Daytrip participants enjoy museums, Active Minds lectures, gardens and many other historic, cultural and scientific sites of interest throughout Colorado from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs.
Like many Coloradans, Mary likes to enjoy the outdoors. Through the Daytripping Program, she has enjoyed trips to Breckenridge to look at the snow sculptures, gone to the top of Mt. Evans and hiked around the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. One of the most memorable annual daytrips for Mary and the other JADP daytrippers is driving up into the mountains during the fall to see the leaves changing color. “These daytrips allow people with short term memory problems to live in and enjoy the moment. Mary is so much happier because of it and we are so thankful for that,” said Kelli.
According to JADP’s Daytrip manager, Maureen Wells, “Daytrippers develop new friendships and find others with whom they can share their current life journey.” Wells is uniquely qualified to organize, direct and lead the Daytripping Program at JADP. She has a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing and community mental health. Wells has worked with JADP since 1999 to integrate the Daytripping Program into the organization’s quality of care continuum.
Mary, who is still able to live in her own home independently, started going on one daytrip a week. Now, a year and a half later, she attends JADP five days a week and goes on up to three daytrips each week. She looks forward to each and every one with enthusiasm and excitement. “I love going. I like the variety and I love meeting new people,” said Mary.
For many family members, daytrips also provide much needed respite from the job of being a full time caregiver. “This place is different. You can just feel it and you just know it in your heart. The compassion and support are overflowing,” said Kelli. “It is a huge weight off our shoulders knowing that Mary is well cared for when at JADP. It has been a godsend.”
To learn more about JADP and the Daytripping Program, please call 303.789.1519 or visit www.jadp.org.
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