Special Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy

The lack of verbal communication skills is often a difficult and frustrating part of memory loss. The Delta certified and trained animals in our Animal-Assisted Therapy Program speak volumes of comfort with their wet noses, abundant licks and warm fur.

These friendly animals, as with our wonderful clients, know that love, comfort and happiness can always be felt, even if it can’t always be spoken.

Diva, a very large Bull Mastiff is a popular attraction in the dayrooms. When she strolls in, no senior or staff member can resist a hug and are often rewarded with an affectionate doggy kiss.

Samantha is not a show dog. a great hunter or a fly ball expert. She's a big, soft, loveable friend. In 1999 and 2000, Samantha received the Delta Society's Award for Exemplary Teamwork, demonstrating the power of the human/animal bond. She was nominated for the 2002-2003 Purina/American Kennel Club ACE Award. Susan Hopman is her owner and partner. Susan says she's happy and proud to provide pet therapy and share in the experiences. When Samantha is done visiting, she's tired, but she has touched a heart and created a happy day.

No matter what each senior’s challenges are that day, there is always a change in a senior’s body language and facial expression when all our wonderful pets arrive.

Family Alliance firmly believes that the quiet companionship and unconditional love these animals provide is a positive and successful therapy tool for our physically and cognitively impaired seniors.

Music Therapy

Our certified music therapist provides an environment that supports the seniors’ memory and recall in the form of songs. Broadway show tunes, religious songs and era-specific music produces a relaxing and reminiscent environment.

The cultural elements of music allow seniors who may have difficulty expressing their needs and feelings to relax and reach out, enhancing valuable communication.

This program is offered three times a week and is available for all our senior clients to enjoy.

Horticultural Therapy

Family Alliance is pleased to bring our seniors a new and innovative therapy program. With the completion of our Courtyard and Memory Garden in early 2007, the staff of Family Alliance will be able to offer our clients additional activities through our Horticultural Therapy Program.

The positive benefits our clients receive from a simple walk around the building or sitting outside on a warm, sunny day is immeasurable. The clients with cognitive-impairments recall numerous past events that might have involved planting their vegetable garden or building their own home or a church-wide picnic. These wonderful memories, that were once thought to be lost, are vividly and pleasantly remembered with the effects of the smells, sights and feelings of being outdoors.

Family Alliance, Inc. places a high degree of value on the environmental aspect of our Courtyard and the positive physical, social, mental and spiritual affects it will have for our seniors. The Garden area will allow for interactive activities and successful experiences for clients with mild to significant cognitive impairment. Individual and group therapy meetings will be held in the outdoor space, spurring connections and reminiscing by the seniors.

Outdoor activities will include planting annuals, maintaining and deadheading flowers, watching birds, butterflies and other wildlife. As agitation, anxiety and depression are often diagnoses coinciding with dementia, the Courtyard and Memory Garden’s peaceful and relaxing area will provide a calm place in which to get some fresh air, sunshine and exercise.

The use of the outdoor therapy area will be offered as a scheduled part of the daily client activities, as well as available for clients’ use under a flexible schedule. The horticultural activities will include numerous therapeutic and recreational opportunities that will be designed throughout the year.