It is a goal of Open Circle to engage members in community life and this was the perfect opportunity. The smell of lumber, hardware, and paint was the first impression that triggered memories. We all shared stories about projects and home repair followed. It did smell like Saturday morning because that is always the time for repairs and projects. Our memory banks are not only full of vacations, careers, and life changing events, but the smell of the local hardware store is in there too.
The face of the women in the bakery, the owner of the local gas station, the way your car sounds when it starts are all memories from days gone by. Our fun adventure to Home Depot helped us retrieve some quotidian details from our early life. The welcoming staff at Home Depot had an area set aside for construction of bird feeders or wooden calendars.
All the necessary items were provided, such as hammers, screwdrivers and other supplies. They assisted and advised each of our Open Circle members. It was a day of building on many levels. Open Circle was building the experience of adult day services by facilitating community engagement.
Open Circle Adult Day Services help people with changing physical, cognitive and or social abilities to achieve their goal of living a full and meaningful life. Sometimes that means hammering nails again. We offer three convenient locations throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. Each of our locations offer programs, recreation, personal care, respite and social connections to individuals with memory loss or other emotional and physical needs.
Contact one of our centers to learn more about how Augustana Care Open Circle can support care partners to find balance and meaning in a life touched by memory loss or other diagnosis. She has been a part of Augustana Care for over 40 years. Patty is also a sought-after public speaker on subjects of aging.
