The Gathering is a group enrichment program offered at Lyngblomsten Care Center for individuals with early- to mid-stage memory loss. The program is open to community members, the majority of whom currently live in the surrounding area of Lyngblomsten’s Como Park and Lino Lakes campuses.
Now in its 26th year, The Gathering provides social engagement for participants in addition to serving as a respite for their caregivers.
The weekly sessions are held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lyngblomsten Como Park campus, 1415 Almond Ave.
The Lino Lakes campus, 6070 Blanchard Blvd., also offers three weekly sessions of The Gathering on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Participants may attend up to three sessions per week.
The Gathering is funded by participants, who pay a sliding fee based on income, subsidized by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation.
The daily curriculum is carefully designed to stimulate each part of the brain, explained Rachel Boucher, program coordinator at The Gathering. Each session is built around a theme and may include brain games, exercise, education, trivia, music, cooking, art or other engaging pursuits.
Boucher, a native of Norwood Young America, majored in music therapy while attending Augsburg College. In her previous positions she worked with long-term care populations, but she always felt most comfortable helping dementia patients.
Due to the stigma surrounding dementia, many people think about what these individuals can no longer accomplish, “but it is so powerful when you can tap into what they can do, and help them have purpose, meaning and community,” Boucher said.
“The participants are living in the moment, and laughing, and it is lovely,” she said. “Participants tell me all the time that this is the best part of their day, they feel so joyful and they feel so safe.”
Caregivers are often surprised that their loved ones are willing and able to participate in so many of the activities offered at The Gathering. They have also mentioned that their loved ones sleep better at night due to the extra stimulation they received during the day, Boucher added.
Another benefit of the program is that participants and volunteers form friendships as they bond over shared experiences, especially since participants and volunteers usually attend the same session each week.
Como Park resident Matt said his wife Sarah (not their real names) has regained her sense of community since she started attending The Gathering last year. Sarah has lost many friends due to early onset Alzheimer’s. The Gathering has given Sarah the opportunity to tell stories, dance and sing, allowing her to recapture some elements of her personality, even though Matt says she was very worried about attending on the first day.
“She likes to be seen and heard, especially by people who will not judge her,” he explained. “She fits in much better with the participants, staff, and volunteers than either she or I expected.”
Additionally, “she has gained a renewed sense of acceptance, and feels at ease among the other participants. She looks forward to going every week. She loves to prepare her lunch, pack it up, put a few things in her backpack. It gives her purpose,” he said.
Although Matt still works full time, he makes time to attend the Caregiver Connect Group offered by Lyngblomsten, which is available to those whose care partners participate in The Gathering.
“That has been a life changer for me,” Matt said. “We have a unique and special space to listen to each other’s stories and learn about different levels of care from each other.”
Matt and Sarah have remained mostly private about her situation, but Matt stressed the importance of informing a few trusted family members, friends or neighbors so that help would be readily available if needed.
Tom has been a volunteer at The Gathering for three years, both at the Como Park and Lino Lakes campuses. His favorite part of volunteering is experiencing the camaraderie between the participants and volunteers. It brings him joy to think that he might be bringing something to the lives of the participants.
“I know I receive more than I give,” he reflected.
There are a variety of activities each session, but everyone’s favorite is music, he said. When the group plays Name That Tune, most of the participants know the words to the golden oldies that are featured in the game.
“We even have a participant who plays harmonica. Our participants love it when he plays and they sing along,” he added.
Jane, a retired University of Minnesota biology professor and Como Park neighbor, has been presenting Science with Jane at The Gathering each month. This stimulating program has been a highlight for both participants and volunteers and helps the participants connect with the local community, Boucher said.
Reluctant participants are encouraged to try each of the activities. Volunteers show them how to engage and then it is up to the participants to finish the activity if they feel comfortable.
Currently, The Gathering needs additional volunteers, Boucher said, emphasizing that no special skills are needed.
“We’re looking for people that have a heart to show up and be there for their fellow humans,” Boucher said. “We’ll take anyone and educate them and train them on dementia,” she added.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to connect with volunteer coordinator Kevin Cipperly at [email protected] or (651) 632-5499.
Additionally, free caregiver resources are available to any community member through Lyngblomsten Community Services. Resources and guidance, provided by a licensed social worker, cover topics such as respite care, managing family dynamics, dementia communication strategies and self-care. Contact [email protected] or Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 to schedule an appointment.
Janet Wight is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
Photo captions:
Chair-based exercise.
Photo submitted by Lyngblomsten Care Center.
