Color Me a Memory

"Color Me a Memory" is a collection of paintings by residents in the Terrace, an Alzheimer's unit in Pinecrest Community Retirement Home. This story of the creation of this exceptional program will encourage other agencies working with Memory Care residents and patients. "Color Me a Memory" has the art work of a dozen or more residents who have the support of family, staff and others. "I remember better when I paint." Those words from a story about painting while stricken with Alzheimer's were just part of the inspiration behind "Color Me A Memory," a memory-enhancing watercolor painting communications program designed specifically for Pinecrest Terrace, a pioneer in elder and memory care in Northwest Illinois, at Pinecrest Community. The Color Me a Memory odyssey began when Pinecrest Terrace Memory Care Community Coordinator Michelle Brown visited her grandmother at a Kansas nursing home years ago. Michelle witnessed a remarkable, powerful, yet simple program in action. The residents with Alzheimer's and dementia were painting. And they were enjoying it. And they were remembering. Michelle wanted that for Pinecrest. So when asked what kind of grant money she could use for her department, watercolor painting money was requested. Ultimately, Pinecrest did more than provide a canvas and supplies. With the help of Northern Illinois University Associate Professor Jamie Mayer, Ph.D., Pinecrest developed a scientific study to share with stakeholders who wanted to know if the program "really worked" - i.e., if it not only helped residents remember, but if it also relieved stress caused by their disease. What we learned was remarkable. Why is "Color Me a Memory" important? Over the next 25 years, more than 28 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease, and the cost of care will consume nearly 25 percent of Medicare spending. By 2020, caring for those stricken with Alzheimer's will cost nearly $12 billion, about 2.1 percent of total Medicare spending. By 2040, the projected costs will have increased to $328 billion, consuming nearly 24.2 percent of Medicare spending. For decades, Pinecrest has been a leader in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Our caregivers were early adopters of a person-centered dementia care philosophy, a holistic approach that addresses mind, body, and spirit to ensure personalized care. Person-centered care focuses on the individual and their strengths and abilities rather than the condition and abilities lost. Color Me a Memory is made possible by the generous support of the A. Charles and Lillemor Lawrence Foundation.