Services
Do you ever wonder about your memory? LifeSpan’s Mood and Memory Testing is a set of structured, face-to-face, pencil and paper tests administered by a specially trained licensed psychologist.
The doctor asks you to perform a variety of short tasks and answer questions about your mood and memory. The procedure takes about two hours. The testing is conducted in our office or for you convenience, in your home. Your test answers are compared to others your age that completed the same test.
The testing provides behavioral and lifestyle recommendations specifically tailored to help you improve your mental sharpness and mood. The results are summarized in a concise, easy to read report. For most people Mood and Memory Testing eases concerns about age related changes in memory. It is particularly helpful information for your physician as part of your yearly check-up. Family members appreciate the information as well.
Memory Testing parallels the current medical approach to early screening of cardiac and diabetic conditions. LifeSpan is currently researching how this screening, and appropriate brain fitness intervention, might delay later symptoms of cognitive decline and mood instability. This is a Medicare covered service. For those of you under age 65, this is a low cost investment in brain health maintenance… an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Memory Improvement Classes
There are many myths associated with the aging brain. New science in brain cell growth and plasticity in older brains offer exciting options to keep the brain healthy. A program is tailored specifically to enhance your mental strengths and strengthen
areas of weakness.
Elements of our program include:
* Training on brain fitness computer software
* Tailoring a set of mental calesthenics, such as memory challenges to stretch your mind and make it work harder where it has become “weak” or “lazy”
* Nutritional guidance about foods and nutrients that keep the brain sharper and more focused
* Aerobic exercises that deliver more oxygen and blood to your brain
* Compensation techniques to strengthen verbal fluency, remember names, numbers and appointments
Lifespan offers two focused support groups at its Atlantis office location:
Caregiver Support Group: Anyone who is primary caregiver for a partner or family member knows just how stressful this can be. Research clearly documents the increased risk of physical and mental disorders for caregivers. Additionally, the health and coping ability of caregivers is closely connected to how patients fair over time. This group is designed to provide much needed emotional support for caregivers, offer you a place to vent, help you identify concrete resources and bolster your coping. We all need each other much more than we think.
Bereavement group: For those who have recently lost their spouse or partner. Navigating this transition is challenging for most because it involves virtually every aspect of our lives, social, emotional, home life, family and friends. Group support during this normal phase of life can be enormously helpful in successful adjustment.
All our groups are facilitated by one of our licensed mental health staff and is covered my Medicare.
Aging brings tremendous opportunities for families to draw closer and enjoy their grand and great grandparent parents and children. It can also pose new and unique challenges for the aging person themselves. Inevitably there are adjustments to declining abilities and loss. Some family members have difficulty understanding and coping with change which in turn, strains communication and clouds decision making. Sadness, anger and withdrawl from your parent or your child can occur.
Depending on the individual circumstances our family coaching sessions involve individual family members, aging couples, adult children or the entire family. One of our professional staff, specially trained in these matters, will listen and coach you on improving family communication. Possible solutions to previously unsolvable problems are also offered.
Check in with our blog on the home page of our website and post your thoughts and circumstances. our staff and others respond to your comments. this is a 24 hour, free opportunity to share and connect.
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