Activities

At the West Center, we focus on creating opportunities for our residents and day program participants to be successful and productive. As isolation ends, we often find that individuals become more comfortable and less agitated.

Purposeful and meaningful activities to bring a sense of duty, accomplishment, and increased self-esteem. Our programs focus on care of the environment and care of self: our residents might polish a mirror prior to using the mirror to apply their own makeup. Simple tasks, like folding and hanging clothes, or sorting by color and shape, restore normalcy and are often very effective in increasing happiness and quality of life.

We offer a licensed Musical Therapist twice weekly, providing not only entertainment, but listening, cognition, and physical play. As you may know, West Center residents are grouped on each suite by stage of disease. The music therapist visits each suite and varies her offerings to address the specific needs of those in attendance.

Clubs

The West Center programming features an exciting new Club Concept. We are tapping into interests and vocations to connect with each person on an individual basis.

• Art Club
  Creativity often not only survives dementia, but also blossoms anew. Members of the Art Club craft centerpieces and holiday decorations that all residents value and enjoy. To have time devoted to the successful completion of a project is a significant accomplishment and a great delight for our residents and day program participants.
  
  

• Auxiliary Club
  Membership brings the chance to give back to our community as volunteers with a variety of projects. The Ladies’ Auxiliary has made lap blankets for residents in the more advanced stages of the disease at the Center, and nap blankets for children at the Presbyterian Night Shelter. The Gentlemen’s Auxiliary has finished toys for The Happy Factory that are given to underprivileged children.
  
  

• Aviation Club
  To appeal to our many residents retired from local companies such as Lockheed-Martin, Bell Helicopter, American Airlines and the Dallas/Fort International Airport, we have created an Aviation Club. The club members meet for programs that include looking at old flight maps and airport directories, and reading short stories about planes and pilots. Future sessions will feature a current pilot and a trip to an air show.
  
  

• Good Neighbors Club
  We recognize that entering the West Center is often a difficult transition for individuals and their families. Current residents have formed this support group to welcome new residents to the Center. By offering a kind word and a welcome basket, our residents recognize their roll as hosts and are empowered to reach out to their new friends: a blessing for all parties involved.
  
  

• Walking Club
  Maintaining and increasing mobility is a quality of life issue. Through the Walking Club, both Tortoises and Hares have found recreation and greater endurance. Families have noticed that members have greater confidence and improved self-esteem.