Arts and culture play an important role at The
Johnson Adult Day Program. Music and visual arts provide
meaningful, stimulating activities that increase self-esteem,
encourage emotional expression and activate memories. Programs
include live performances and music listening in a variety of
genres, from classic to country. Chorale groups and professional
entertainers often appear at the Center. Theme events, always a
memorable experience at The Johnson Center, are rich in costume,
prop, decoration and music specialties. Participants at the center
engage in group writing activities. For example, they may create
their own poem and then take it home with them at the end of the
day.
JADP enjoys an affiliation with ArtReach, which provides free tickets
to concerts and museums not only for participants but for family
caregivers as well. Van trips are sometimes scheduled
through JADP to these events to help meet transportation
needs. To take advantage of this program, family members must be
available by e-mail for reservations and other arrangements.
The signature arts program at the Center is
Memories in the Making, whose facilitators and
resident artists are trained by the Alzheimer's Association. The
program meets for an hour of drawing and painting. The activity
differs from the traditional "arts and crafts" classes for the
elderly. The goal of the program is not to teach a skill or create
a finished product, but to encourage communication through
painting, to express feelings and to provide a quiet and focused
time with friends. This program helps to activate memories and
increase self-esteem. Memories in the Making is often a good
beginning activity for participants who are not yet prepared to
come to the Center for a full- or half-day. Participants need not
know how to draw or paint to benefit from this fun and meaningful
program.