Life Care operates more than 200 skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement living communities, home care services, and Alzheimer's centers.
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Quilting keeps Alzheimer’s resident at Life Care Center of Lewiston in touch with past
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2009
Sewing has long been part of the lives of many women of the Greatest Generation. Some may have felt it a chore as they grew up, while others delighted in it. Some have carried on an appreciation and continue to enjoy creating works of art. Oma Peterson, a resident at Life Care Center of Lewiston, Idaho, certainly fits under the second category.
Peterson has created 50 quilts since she has come to the facility, working with friend and former caregiver Debby Hupp. Peterson has Alzheimer’s, and as the disease progresses, quilting is one of the few passions she can continue that speak of her rich legacy.
Starting with sewing dolls’ clothing and quilts, as Peterson grew, she was soon known for her sense of style in making fashionable ladies’ clothing and clothes for children that both looked nice and allowed a wide range of movement.
These days, when Hupp comes to visit three times weekly, the ladies get busy with their quilts. Hupp designs them and cuts the pieces for Peterson, and Peterson sits at her Singer sewing machine and stitches them together. Their quilts go to local churches and other charities.
“Just because she has Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean she can’t do anything or serve her community,” said Hupp. “She really does serve – she just doesn’t remember what she does.”
Peterson and Hupp are not the only ones working on the quilts – nine other residents have joined the fun. In October, the facility started a Quilting Club. Making the quilts is now a team project, with about nine residents taking part in different steps of the process, such as drawing, cutting and sorting, depending on their ability and preference.
“They are still creative, and they still want to help,” Hupp said of the group. “Quilting gives them something to do that they feel contributes something to their community.”
About Life Care Center of Lewiston
Located in Idaho's "first" territorial capital, Life Care Center of Lewiston is surrounded by rich history. Nursing home residents can explore the excitement of the past while visiting the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts and History. Life Care Center of Lewiston also has a rich tradition of providing superior-quality elderly care. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of each resident to help residents attain their maximum level of independence. The nursing home facility provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation along with a Secured Alzheimer's special care unit.
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