September 2024 E-NEWS FROM OPICA

OPICA provides comprehensive, personalized services for adults challenged with memory loss,

and for their families. We thank you for sharing this news with others.

“Logic will get you from A to B.

Imagination will take you everywhere"

~ Albert Einstein

Best Ways for Dementia Caregivers to Handle

a Loved One's Memory Loss

Instead of correcting cognitive errors,

let small mistakes slide.

In my caregiving years, scenes like this played out too many times. Sometimes she responded defensively by saying, “You didn't tell me that,” and I insisted that I did. Other times, she became defensive and I would know enough to hold my tongue. Knowledge was never the issue.

As a psychologist for 25 years, I had counseled hundreds of family caregivers of dementia sufferers that it isn't helpful to constantly correct their cognitive mistakes, such as forgetting appointments, misremembering conversations and being unable to recall whether they'd had breakfast. When confronted with their errors, those with cognitive deficits only feel flustered and stumble further. To bring out the best in your loved one, I've always told caregivers, you must be as patient and supportive as possible and let the simple, harmless mistakes slide. Read entire article here.

WE CREATE ART AT OPICA

Gretchen creating

a beautiful butterfly

Kibbe beginning

a new piece of art

Carol's lovely

blue butterfly

Save The Date - This Saturday!

Your Donations Make a Lasting Impact

September is Scholarship Month at OPICA!

Throughout the year, we welcome donations to our Scholarship Program, which ensures that everyone can access our services at a reduced rate. While our rates are already lower than our actual cost, we also provide additional scholarship support for those facing financial challenges.

Your donation to our scholarship fund can make a profound difference in the lives of families struggling with memory loss. With your support, we can ensure that no one is left behind.

Thank you for your generosity! Donate HERE to Scholarships

OPICA Adult Day Care and Counseling Center proudly introduces "OPICAcares" - a new program intended to provide support for individuals living at home alone or individuals in under-resourced communities who are experiencing memory loss.

If you have a family member or friend who could benefit from our services, please share this valuable information with them. This program comes at no cost to the individual or family.

For more information, please email OPICAcares@opica.org

or call 310-478-0226 ext. 111

This project is supported, in part, by grant number 90ADPI0105-01-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, DHHS, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Click here for the flyer

Thank You

MAX FACTOR

FAMILY FOUNDATION

OPICA Arts is supported, in part,

by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

through the Department of Arts and Culture.

For Your

Generous Support

In-Person Programs

Continue Daily!

OPICA OZ Online Program

Still Going Strong

OPICA’s OZ program (OPICA on Zoom), is your gateway to enriching experiences from the comfort of home. Delight in up to four hours of daily activities, carefully curated to inspire engagement and foster connection, every weekday (Monday to Friday) from 10 am – 2 pm.

Join us on Zoom and embark on a journey filled with interactive

exercises, stimulating conversations, and captivating activities designed to invigorate the mind and body. Whether it's daily exercise routines, culturally immersive adventures, cognitive challenges, creative art sessions, or wonderful musical performances, OZ offers a diverse array of experiences tailored to engage older adults in meaningful ways.

OZ - OPICA on Zoom is more than just a program; it's a daily

invitation to rediscover joy and companionship through enriching activities.

To learn more about how you or your loved one can participate, please reach out to Emily at Emilyc@opica.org or call 310-478-0226.

Join us on OZ, where every day holds the promise of new adventures and connections.

OPICA on Zoom is now available at NO cost to members of the OPICA Adult Day & Brain Train Programs.

OPICA will be adding additional services to those enrolled in either the OPICA Adult Day Program or Brain Train. OZ, (OPICA on Zoom) will be FREE and part of your regular

fees. Start today and be part of the online community!

Monday through Friday / 10:00 am – 2:00 pm