Memory Care at the Frank B. Foster Pavilion

This is a beautiful, sensitive environment specifically designed to meet the needs of those with Alzheimer's disease or other memory loss. We offer Exceptional Professional Care, whether it is provided by physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, chaplains or activities therapists.

More importantly Presbyterian Homes, and the Foster Pavilion, has embraced a philosophy of interacting with residents called Person-Centered Care. We agree to honor the choices, preferences and abilities of all residents, whether in an apartment or in our health care community.

At the Foster Pavilion, in addition to our three levels of care, the same nursing assistant cares for a resident for the entire length of stay. All rooms are private. Whenever possible, residents may take advantage of the programs and activities on campus, including religious services and holiday gatherings.

Music Therapy at Foster Pavilion

Foster residents can participate in our music programs at any level:

• playing instruments
• singing, humming, clapping
• tapping toes or listening

We offer a fun, low-stress environment using a piano or guitar for live music. Live music provides opportunities to alter the words of a song, respond to song requests, or play songs related to the season or holiday. Music can be used to encourage reminiscence or socialization, and to reinforce orientation. Several Foster Pavilion members sing with their more independent campus neighbors in the resident choir.

Exercise Programs

In addition to individual instruction at the Kimble Fitness Center, there are many opportunities for exercising in the Foster Pavilion:

• Foster exercise class
• Afternoon Stretch
• Active Games
• Walking Club

The goals of these programs are to improve spatial awareness, maintain mobility and range of motion, and increase flexibility and strength. Exercise also adds socialization, non-verbal communication, enjoyment and relaxation.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts and Busy Fingers are two of the programs we use to bring hands- on creativity to the residents. A variety of mediums are used including clay, ceramics, colored pencils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, yarn for a variety of needlework projects, and looms for weaving. Individuals can feel a sense of accomplishment by creating items for sale at the Holiday Craft Fair or the on-campus Little Store.

Intellectual Programs

Trivia, Current Events, Book Club, Fun with Computers, and Travel Thru the Bible are just a few of the programs offering intellectual stimulation for the residents. We seek to keep individuals abreast of current events in the world and provide a sense of continuity between past and present.

The Spiritual Dimension

Recently, the Foster Pavilion offered unique opportunities for "Worship for All God's Children." The adapted services included music, art, and as many senses as possible to connect these individuals to their earliest spiritual memories.

Familiar music, hymns, psalms and prayers were recited and, at one service, each resident received a small wooden cross to take with them. Because the "Worship for All God's Children" was part of a Doctor of Ministry research project, family members of residents were consulted before a resident was invited to participate.

Chicago Public Radio religion reporter Jason DeRose recorded the Pentecost service on May 23, 2007 and interviewed family members and residents. WBEZ featured the piece as the “story of the day” on its website home page.

http://www.wbez.org/CityRoom_Story.aspx?storyID=11218  

Of course, residents of Foster Pavilion are welcome to attend ongoing worship services on campus, and residents of Chestnut Court have a Sunday service geared to their particular needs.

Games and Outdoor Activity

We play games not only for fun, but also to provide intellectual stimulation, encourage socialization and conversation, and lengthen attention span. The activity staff may use bingo, for instance, to evaluate memory, range of motion, and eye-hand coordination. Since bingo is such a popular activity, it is often used to reach goals developed in a resident’s individual plan of care. Foster residents can connect with their campus neighbors through scheduled cookouts with McGaw residents. These cookouts, as well as Garden Club activities, take place on Foster’s secured and sheltered deck.