(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions: About Mind Matters
 

• Who attends Mind Matters?
  
  Adults who have a dementing illness (Alzheimer’s, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Parkinson’s Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Frontal Temporal Lobe, or any other form of dementia) attend our program. Some of our clients have mobility limitations and use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.  As long as a person can bear weight to transfer to a chair or the toilet we can accommodate them at Mind Matters.
   

• What do you do at Mind Matters?
  
  A typical day beings with group conversation.  As our clients arrive we transition into individual activities – puzzles and crafts for example. We eat lunch as a group, our clients families send lunch with them. After lunch we engage in social activities including BINGO and games designed to get people moving like balloon toss. All of our activities are adapted to each clients’ level of ability and desire to participate. Later in the afternoon we turn to more relaxing activities, we often listen to music and have a snack. As our clients depart we greet their caregivers and discuss the days’ events.  
   

• When should I consider using Mind Matters services?
  
  As soon as your loved one shows need for guidance and supervision is a great time to start bringing them to our program. As a caregiver we are always here when you need a break to take time for yourself, to attend an appointment, to go shopping, or to go to work. We are here for you when you need us.
   

• How do I get my loved one to attend Mind Matters?
  
  We encourage you to tell your loved one that they are coming to visit a social group and not to say things like ‘adult day care’ or ‘a place where someone can watch you because you cannot be alone’.
   

• Who will be supervising my loved one at Mind Matters?
  
  Our professional staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and recreational assistants. All of our staff are trained in Montessori approaches to dementia care.
   

• How does the staff at Mind Matters encourage participation?
  
  We get to know each one of our clients and what their interests, likes, and dislikes are.  We also pay attention to how each client is feeling when they are with us.  We use the Montessori method of dementia care to adapt activities that are tailored to their interests, ability, and desires. We believe in creating an environment that embraces being error free and focus on client engagement and enjoyment instead of a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to complete an activity.

 

• What does the staff at Mind Matters do if my loved one doesn’t want participate?
  
  We believe that passive participation in a social environment is good for our clients even if they do not want to engage in a group or individual activity. If a person does not want to engage in the planned activity or other alternatives that we offer to them we do not force participation.  Sometimes, we have a client who just wants to spend some time observing or would rather engage with a member of our staff one on one and we allow them that opportunity.
   

• How often do I have to have my loved one attend the program?
  
  There is no required schedule, we have clients that come once a week, a few days a week, full time, and those that request to drop in occasionally when their caregiver needs us to help.  We only ask that you schedule a minimum of two hours at a time.
   

• What if I need to change our schedule or cancel a day we planned on attending?
  
  At Mind Matters we understand that caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging and that there will be days you need to reschedule or cancel.  We ask that you notify us of your change in plans at least a day in advance so we can staff our facility accordingly.
  We will not charge your for a cancellation or re-schedule if you notify us the day ahead of your planned visit.
   

• How does Mind Matters communicate with families and caregivers?
  
  We speak with caregivers daily when they drop off and pick up their loved one.  All of our clients’ families also receive Robin’s personal phone number and are encouraged to contact her any time the need to.
   

• What are the benefits of using Mind Matters?
  
  For our clients we provide engagement with others, care designed to promote independence, physical activity, mental stimulation, and enjoyable activities tailored to their own interests.  For caregivers we provide an opportunity for respite and support.