Volume 2, Issue 3

April 2014

The Woodruff Manor Beat

Occupational Therapy for Seniors with Memory Loss

Perhaps no other disease afflicting the elderly is as devastating as dementia. Dementia affects ones memory and the individuals ability to communicate, solve problems, and ultimately perform self-care tasks such as eating and toileting. Occupational therapists are trained to assess the patients cognitive status and use behavioral interven tions to address changes in personality that may be frustrating to caregivers. OT During the Early Stages of Memory Loss During the early stages of Alzheimers, occupational therapy focuses on the following:
Adapting the home for safety Maximizing the patients remaining skills in order to be as independent as possible Educating caregivers and helping them find social and emotional assistance such as support groups and respite care

April is National Volunteer Month

Woodruff Manor loves our volunteers!
Our wonderful volunteers invest time with our residents enjoying crafts, bingo, musical entertainment, storytelling, spiritual services, as well as other special events. For that, we are so thankful! If you are interested in volunteering your special talent or just want to come sit and chat with our residents during your free time, please contact Crystal Lewis in our Activity Department for more information.

OT During the Later Stages of Memory Loss As dementia or Alzheimers progresses, the role of the occupational therapist focuses on improving an individuals quality of life by simplifying activities and providing sensory stimulation such as soothing music. OTs also make recommendations related to food textures (ex. ground meats) and dining equipment (ex. spoons with large handles for gripping). During this time, occupational therapy also focuses on the following:
Assessing the patient for risk of falling Assessing seating and positioning needs in beds or wheelchairs May recommend a stretching program to prevent contractions and pain

We welcome you to stop by to meet our Director of Rehab, Donette Godwin, who is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Eric Michael, our Registered Occupational Therapist.

Upstate Events and Festivals ~ April 2014

April 5 6 Spring Jubilee Arts & Crafts Festival Pendleton, SC April 6 ShalomFest 14 Greenville, SC April 10 12 Albino Skunk Music Festival Greer, SC April 12 Spartanburg Parks Tame the Tyger River Race & Festival Spartanburg, SC April 12 14 The Big Buck Race Union, SC April 13 19 rd 3 Annual Greater Clemson Blues Festival Clemson, SC April 18 19 Pickens Azalea Festival Pickens, SC April 19 Clemson Easter Bunny Half-Marathon, 5k and Easter Egg Hunt Clemson, SC Iron City Festival Blacksburg, SC April 25 26
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Stone Soup Festival Woodruff, SC

Project Host BBQ Cook-off Festival Greenville, SC April 26 Central Railroad Festival Pickens County, SC International Festival Fountain Inn, SC April 29 May 4 The Great Anderson County Fair Anderson, SC
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April 20th
OUR HOME IS YOUR HOME
1114 E Georgia Road Woodruff, SC 29388 P (864) 476-7092 F (864) 476-0753 www.woodruffmanor.net

When strolling through the garden, If you should chance to see A ladybug out walking, Please say "hi" for me! For ladybugs are good bugs, They help the garden grow They will bring you good luck, So always say "hello!" ~Author Unknown