The new state-of-the-art day care center built by Melabev for people with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias has been open for a few months and people are flocking to see it. Visitors have included people from the Israel Alzheimer's Association, and the Ministry of Welfare, as well as curious people from the neighborhood. Everyone wants to see the latest in care for this special population.
For the elders who come to the center every day, the move to the new building, has been a good change. From the moment they enter the facility they get a positive feeling. To quote one group member, "There is so much light. It is so bright. I come in and smile."
Being in the new building in Talpiot means the group can be divided into smaller groups and the people can do activities based on their interests and abilities. For example, some people can sing together while others do art. They are able to stroll outside in the protected garden which is locked to prevent people from wandering off. And they are even able to cook in their very own therapeutic kitchen. One of their soup recipes was even entered in a recipe contest.
New projects are also in the planning. The elementary school across the street approached Marsha Donshik, director of the English speaking group, with a request to be involved in an intergenerational project at the Melabev club.
Activities for healthy elders from the community are being planned for the afternoon. Since we are all aware of the hardships involved in a dementing condition, Melabev feels that it must not limit its work to care for those with the disease, but must also be involved in the area of prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. It is therefore opening groups, both in English as well as in Hebrew, in conjunction with "Brainspa".
Brainspa is an Israeli company that has developed a unique method for the prevention of age related cognitive decline. Cognition is very complex therefore Brainspa has developed a multi-tasked program that will answer a broad array of prevention needs.The program includes, individual work with a computer program designed for cognitive training , an interactive stimulating workshop that includes learning memory techniques, enjoyable psycho-motor exercises as well as other mind stimulating activities .
The method, which holds a U.S. patent is based on the premise that the brain can continue to grow at any age if it is exposed to the proper environment. Brainspa is also recognized by the Israeli medical establishment and as such is partially subsidized by most of the Health Funds.
In order to facilitate these groups Melabev is in need of 15 laptop computers. Anyone who would like to donate a laptop computer can contact Melabev at 1-700-70-4533. Those who would like more information or want to sign up for either the English or Hebrew Brainspa workshops can contact 1-700-700-132 brainspa1@brainspa.co.il 03-6492322
