Heart of America Chapter Alzheimer's Association
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The Memory Room Project

The Memory Room project was inspired by a gentleman who loved nature. As he progressed to a point in the illness when he was unable to respond to traditional programming, transforming his room into sky and clouds seemed like a positive thing to do. The project evolved into the use of artists designing murals based on a person's social history. Facilities are chosen at random and they are afforded the opportunity to choose someone to receive the mural, based on an expectation that they be individuals with a dementia that spend large amounts of time in their rooms.

Volunteers are always needed for this project. Artists are needed to design murals. Artists are needed to assist the day of painting, and artists are needed to return to the site to do detail work. If you are interested in hearing more about the Memory Room Project or would like to volunteer, contact at 913-831-3888 or 800-272-3900.

Project Update

In 2006 four Memory Room murals were completed for individuals with a dementia who spend much of their time in their rooms. Energetic and compassionate high school and college students helped design and paint these murals. 3 additional murals will be completed in 2007.

Mural at Shawnee Gardens, painted by Olathe East Art Students

Olathe East Art students completed a mural for an individual at Shawnee Gardens in Shawnee. Olathe North art students completed a mural for an individual at Aberdeen Village in Olathe. The Avila College Art Therapy Student Organization completed a mural for an individual at Jefferson Health Care in Lee’s Summit and Shawnee Mission Northwest art students completed a mural for an individual at Trinity Lutheran Manor in Merriam. Several community artists also assisted as well as art instructors in several of the schools.

This special partnership, between the person, the family, the facility and the school allows for a piece of a special time, place and/or experiences to be encapsulated on the wall of a person’s nursing home room. Honoring the person with the illness is the key element behind all the murals.

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Upcoming Events

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March 30 - The Role of Activities in Cultural Change
This workshop discusses the philosophy behind activities and offers numerous examples of ways to incorporate these activities in day to day life. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Hospital. Call 913-831-3888 or for details.

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April 5 - April 26: Redefining Me in Topeka, KS
A 4-part discussion about the process of diagnosis, risk factors, symptoms revealed in the disease and current treatments. Call 785-271-1844 or for details.

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April 14 - Alzheimer's and Aging with Intellectual Disabilities
An overview of how Alzheimer's manifests in persons experiencing intellectual disabilities such as Down's Syndrome. Call 785-271-1844 or for details.