ABC's of Activities for Alzheimers
Amira is a Nationally Certified Activities Consultant (NCCAP), a Certified Laughter Leader (The World Laughter Tour), author of 2 books "(Healing the Wounds of Alzheimer's Disease" and ABC's of Activities for Alzheimer's)" and produced a caregiver training video. Her specialty is interactive activity therapy for persons with dementia (18yrs). Activities are designed to improve social interaction and quality of life for individuals with dementia. Amira gives accredited workshops (NCCAP) 1.5 - 4hrs and teaches a 4hr class for nurses and caregivers. Member: Alzheimer Association, Michigan Association of Activities Professionals, National Association of Activities Professionals, National Association of Career Women and AAHPERD.The positive impact of her techniques has earned Amira the trust and respect of her peers, the medical community, and more importantly, the many who have regained a sense of self respect and dignity, the afflicted victims."When I began working with residents in various stages of Alzheimer's, it didn't take long for me to realize that for my activities to be successful I had to address the fear, anger, frustration, low self-esteem, and other negative feelings that were barriers to success. I felt confident that if I got to know them and find their likes and dislikes I could help return some of their memory function and teach them new activities."I soon recognized that Alzheimer's residents had their own set of issues and needs and I would have to customize my repertoire of activities to accommodate those issues and needs. Not only did I recognize a need for specialized activities for residents with Alzheimer's, I realized that because of the progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease, activities had to be easily adjusted to each individual's needs and abilities as they changed.