Did you know…..”An estimated 10.7% of Chesterfield County's 65+ population has Alzheimer's disease, according to new estimates released in 2023 by the Alzheimer's Association. That compares to 11.7% statewide and ranks #62 of 95 counties in Virginia included in the data. Locally, it means about 6,100 people have Alzheimer's in Chesterfield County.” (Shacker, January 2024)
For those caring for their loved ones at home engaging activities can be difficult to find (as well as a short respite). We are very excited to offer for the first time in Chesterfield County the OMA program. OMA Engages and provides opportunities to enjoy togetherness as well as creative expression.
Five years ago, I sold a small interior design firm specializing in senior living community. My love for elders and their environments has been a passion for more than three decades. Beauty, color and creativity in all forms has always been a passion. I searched for ways to “connect the dots” of my career.
Since 2018 Art for the Journey, a Richmond based non-profit arts organization, has delivered OMA Facilitator certification training to senior communities across the USA, and recently in partnership with LeadingAge Virginia, state-wide. My colleague, Cindy Loshkreff received OMA certification and discovered OMA as an amazing resource for all who participate. For many years we discussed bringing OMA outside the walls of a formal senior community setting to our neighbors and friends in the community. And it has happened! In October 2024, at Central Library of Chesterfield, in partnership with Art for the Journey, we will offer our very first class open to the public of the OMA program. This OMA class will meet weekly for four consecutive sessions 10:00am to 11:00am beginning on October 9th.
OMA is an intergenerational, person-centered program pairing elders with community volunteers one to one. OMA was developed by Dr. Elizabeth Lokon, a visual artist and Gerontologist and has received international awards including, most recently, a Fulbright Scholarship. OMA is research-based and has compelling evidence supporting the program as a Best-Practice approach in helping people with dementia as well as educating volunteers and family members.
I know you’re thinking, "No way, my loved one is not artistic," but I have experienced the best of moments shared with folks saying the same things as they enter the studio, and I have seen the pure look of joy and satisfaction when their weekly piece comes to life. OMA art projects are delivered to be “failure-free,” in which there are empowering choices built into the process and each finished artwork is unique. These artworks are given a title and there is an art show at the end of the session where the art is celebrated with an exhibit open to the public.
Post written by Bonnie Cauthorn, Certified OMA Facilitator and Art for the Journey Community Partner
