Support & Quality of Life Programs
The Memory Center provides ongoing support, continuity of care, and quality of life programs throughout the patient care journey
Continuity of Care
Medical Management
Follow-up clinic visits occur at regular intervals with The Memory Center care team to monitor progression of condition, in addition to symptom management, triaging flare-ups, and adjusting medications (as needed).
Ongoing Social Work Support & Resources
Personalized social work support and resources to manage day-to-day life and its necessary transitions over time. Includes communication strategies coaching through memory loss, developing a short- and long-term care plan for patient and care partner(s)/family members, and ways to explore in-home care or community residential living options.
Quality of Life Programs
The Memory Center hosts monthly, seasonal, and annual events to enhance quality of life in the day-to-day experience for patients and caregivers.
Caregiver Support Group
Caregiver Support Group
The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter provides Support Groups that help families and caregivers cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia at any stage.
If you have a loved one or a friend with Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of Dementia, know that you are not alone and that help is available.
Join us for our next SUPPORT GROUP gathering | (These are currently virtual, for COVID safety precautions)
Where: University of Chicago Hospitals
Outpatient Senior Health Center at South Shore
7101 S. Exchange Avenue
When: First Thursday of the Month
Time: 1:00-2:30 p. m.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Andrea Vernon-Cwik, LCSW or Christina Podany, LCSW (773) 702-4269
"Art Is" Therapeutics Program
The “Art Is…” Program by GoldMind Arts & Aging
This is a hands-on art making program for patients of the Memory Center of The University of Chicago Medicine and their caregivers. This innovative and essential program provides those living within the memory loss community countless benefits and has an enormous impact on quality of life. As the population of older adults rapidly increases and research proves the effects of the arts in patient care, this growing field provides a glimpse into the future of arts and healthcare, as well as the dementia community.
NEW! We have launched an at-home version of the program called ‘Art Is…In’ to be enjoyed from the comfort of home! See details below.
Participant Testimonials
“This program has helped me fall in love with my wife all over again”
“She became much more alive and is so proud of the work she does here”
Student Testimonials
“As a pre-med student interested in neuroscience, I witnessed first-hand how the art seemed to ameliorate their thought process and they way they interacted. This was an awesome experience, and I would love to be more involved”
“This therapeutic model based upon exploring art, provides so much joy for the individuals participating — it opens up avenues for cultivating community, enjoying life and other people’s company, and reflecting on the vibrant memories of their past”
“Art Is…In”
In an effort to ameliorate the impact of the pandemic, we have curated an at-home version of our ‘Art Is’ program!
No cost to you. No phone, video, tech, or Zoom needed.
These beautiful handmade art kits come via postal mail directly to the comfort of your own home, every week! Click here to learn more and sign-up.
Annual Chicago River Cruise: A Dementia Friendly event
The Memory Center at UChicago Medicine hosts the first-ever local dementia friendly cruise on the glass-topped Odyssey vessel
Families all over Chicagoland experience this unique, 2-hour ride with their loved one diagnosed with memory impairment in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.
This event is hosted by UChicago Memory Center, in partnership with Artis Senior Living, SHARE Network Chicago, The Chicago Hyde Park Village, and many sponsors throughout Chicagoland.
News Coverage:
https://wgntv.com/2018/10/02/cruise-for-memory-impaired-sets-sail-in-chicago-river/
SHARE Network Chicago events
The SHARE Network is older adults, caregivers, providers, and aging specialists working together to improve health on Chicago’s South Side.
SHARE Network Chicago also has a comprehensive resource directory from COVID-19 resources, caregiver support, food, housing, in-home care, and more.
While much of the programming are currently evolved to virtual due to the pandemic, these are some examples of the in-person events that SHARE hosts:
- Free Artful Aging events at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell, Chicago IL
- Health education seminars at Mather’s More than a Cafe, 33 E 83rd St, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
- United Church of Hyde Park Caregiver Support Group, 1448 E. 53rd St., Chicago IL
Visit SHARE Network Chicago to see their event calendar and more of their latest events!