OUR HISTORY

Stepping Stones Denton serves a dual purpose – to provide a socialization and activity program for persons diagnosed with dementia and also as a support group for family members. Using goal-directed activities, the program provides a structured array of activities that address social, emotional, cognitive, sensory, and perceptual components. Sample activities include cognitive group games and reminiscences, storytelling, meaningful art activities and manual crafts, yoga, dance, exercise, and physical games. In addition, service activities give our participants a focused opportunity to give to others and be part of a greater community. We enjoy sing-alongs and guest speakers, visiting pets, and slide shows. While all this fun is going on in the fellowship hall, families are learning how to deal with the personal, social, and behavioral issues that accompany Alzheimer’s, and learning tools and strategies to improve quality of life for both participants and the caregiver. A variety of guest speakers address specific issues, such as legal and financial guidance, the latest medication trials or dealing with grief.

Stepping Stones Denton was developed in 2006 to help counter the isolation of dementia and provide a supportive environment where participants can engage in meaningful, purposeful activity with a socially safe and accepting peer group. We’re an all-volunteer, occupation-based program for persons in early and moderate stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias who are still living at home. Focus is not on rehabilitation but rather on improving the client’s quality of life using their current abilities. Stepping Stones Denton provides meaningful engagement and social interaction in a welcoming environment while facilitating emotional ties through reminiscence. When activities are modified to meet the participant’s interest and current level of functioning, they serve to increase verbal communication, behavioral management, and to maintain current skills and abilities.

Stepping Stones Denton has grown over the past 17 years. For spouses and family members of Stepping Stones Denton who have lost a loved one, we offer Next Steps, a monthly social and support group that rotates restaurant spots.