SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — Over seven million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s, including 42 residents at Savoy Place, a memory care facility located in Champaign County.
While staff members work to support those with memory loss, community volunteers like Lori Fuller stop by, spreading their passions as well.
She engages the residents with the artistic passion that captivated her years ago. Every week during her lunch break, she offers a “show and tell” experience featuring art and music.
“There’s just that whole sense of wonder that comes with looking at art,” Fuller said. “I just really love it.”
The sessions consistently put smiles on everyone’s faces, create happy moments and memories for those who need it the most.
“At times, it appears they aren’t engaging, but then suddenly, you see a glimmer in their eyes,” shared Roxana Hernandez, the life enrichment coordinator.
Moments like that mean the world to staff members, as they see a difference in the lives of those living there.
“It heightens their senses. In doing so, they’re able to eat better at meal times because they’re happier. They’re able to hold a conversation, they’re able to go back into their apartment or living room, and they want to touch things,” Danielle Wade, the executive director at Savoy Place, said.
As Fuller gives them a voice, memories sometimes start to come back as each individual gets attention and support along their health journeys.
“When I leave every teaching lesson, I’m on cloud nine,” Fuller described with a smile.
40-North, a Champaign County-based arts organization, helped bring the program to life thanks to a $11,000 grant through the Illinois Arts Council. The money was divvied up four ways.
Even as this program ends, Savoy Place wants to continue regular art programming. Next, they plan to start scrapbooking sessions.
