Pine Rest Mission Statement
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is called to express the healing
ministry of Jesus Christ by providing behavioral health services with
professional excellence, Christian integrity and compassion.
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Two Years Later: Where is the Dementia Living Center Now?
by Michelle Philippon
October 2007 marked the two-year anniversary of the opening of the Dementia Living Center on the main Pine Rest campus. A unique program whose only counterparts in the United States are in New Jersey and Arizona, the Dementia Living Center (DLC) was created to be a short-term residential care program for older adults who have dementia and experience need-driven behaviors.* During its first two years of service, the DLC has seen much of its research put into action. What are the results? “The strongest part of our program is addressing the need or cause of [a resident’s] behavior in multiple areas of a person’s life,” explains Kimberly J. Curyto, PhD, Clinical Director of the Dementia Living Center.
The Dementia Living Center also has not lost its original aim. “We still agree that creating a person-centered plan of care to decrease the negative behaviors and increase the positive behaviors is very effective,” Dr. Curyto says. Preliminary data for the DLC reveals positive results. For example, both physical aggression and anger demonstrated with facial expressions of the residents are decreasing within the first four months of treatment in this program. In addition, the program’s staff has reported an increase in activity participation among the residents.
“We’re also tracking both the cognitive and physical functioning [of our residents], and it’s not declining,” Dr. Curyto says. This is significant because a decline in “abilities in thinking and memory” can occur when residents are moved into a new care facility and as time progresses.
The DLC “continues to work to effectively transition the person-centered plan of care when the residents are discharged back into the community,” Dr. Curyto says. “We’re just starting, but the discharges have gone relatively well,” she adds. As more data is collected about this program’s first two years at Pine Rest, Dr. Curyto and other DLC staff will work to use their findings to improve the program.
For more information about the Dementia Living Center, call (616) 222-4515.
* Source: Curyto, Kimberly J., PhD, Ogland-Hand, Suzann M., PhD, and Vriesman, Deedre K., BA. “Linking Behaviors and Interventions: The Impact of the Dementia Living Center in Its Home and Community.” Alzheimer’s Care Quarterly Apr.-June 2007.
By Melissa Garland
For a patient suffering from anorexia nervosa, the road to recovery can be long and difficult. “Patients need to put the same amount of energy into recovery as they have into maintaining their eating disorder,” said Michelle Muenzenmeyer MA, LLP of Pine Rest’s Northeast Clinic.
Stages of change include:
- Pre-contemplation. The starting point. The patient is “in denial” that their behavior is a problem. In this stage, one does not understand the behavior is damaging and the dire consequences of their actions.
- Contemplation. The patient acknowledges there’s a problem, but is conflicted about the benefits of making the change and the risks of losing the “safety” of their disorder.
- Preparation. The patient takes on their fears, and takes the initial steps toward recovery by seeking help and services, and most importantly, creating a plan of action. It is helpful for the patient or the family of the patient to see a nutritionist for a meal plan even if the patient has not yet made the full commitment to recovery.
- Action. This can include private sessions, and seeing a physician to determine if there is an electrolyte imbalance or if the patient requires hospitalization to stabilize physical health. Anorexic behavior does considerable damage to the body, and patients are susceptible to a number of health problems, including congestive heart failure and osteopenia.
- Maintenance. As therapy progresses, the patient is encouraged to join in cognitive behavior therapy to accept their feelings and change their behavior. As therapy evolves, the patient is encouraged to join in group discussion, and involve family and loved ones. Old habits are replaced with positive, healthy options. This is a lifestyle change, for life.
The biggest obstacle for those in recovery is relapsing. “The last hurdle for a patient is body distortion, looking in the mirror and not seeing the truth reflected back,” said Muenzenmeyer. “It’s the hardest to shake. Some take 20 years to overcome it, some take 2 years; for others, I’m not sure it ever goes away.”
For those struggling with eating disorders, added Muenzenmeyer, there is hope. “I had a patient who was 16 years-old. Her parents brought her in at 80 lbs., and she was resistant to therapy and very angry. I consulted with her pediatrician, and was informed she was one pound away from hospitalization as her body was in the process of shutting down. We got her the help she needed, including hospitalization, one-on-one therapy, family therapy and a nutritionist.”
“She is now a senior in high school and doing well, has a boyfriend and participating in sports. She can talk about her feelings and her family. She still struggles with body image, but she likes herself inside and out, and when asked about her disorder, says ‘I’m not going back there.’ She now weighs a healthy 120 lbs. and is able to enjoy meals socially again.”
by Michelle Philippon
Within 25 years, the population of older adults in the United States is predicted to double in size.* One main issue they will face is dementia, a particular condition which is characterized by “memory problems and problems in one other area of brain functioning, like language or problem solving,” explains Scott Halstead, PhD, clinical neuropsychologist at Pine Rest and clinic manager of Pine Rest’s Psychological Consultation Center. Two of the most widespread forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, “which accounts for 60% of those with dementia,” and vascular dementia, “which accounts for 20%,” Dr. Halstead says.
What are some signs of dementia?
According to Dr. Halstead, some signs of dementia are:
- Repeating questions or statements
- Forgetting to pay bills or paying them twice
- Missing scheduled appointments
- Uncharacteristically misplacing items around the house
- Changes in mood and personality
- Decreased motivation
- Uncharacteristically making rude or inappropriate comments
- Difficulty with problem-solving
- Problems with complex activities (Example: driving)
- More easily confused
Preventing dementia
The key to reducing the risk of dementia, Dr. Halstead explains, is to develop a healthy lifestyle when one is young. Some steps a person can take to lessen the risk of developing dementia are:
- Keeping mentally active by reading, learning a new language, attending community lectures, etc.
- Keeping physically active
- Watching what you eat
- Getting enough sleep
- Developing new hobbies
- Avoiding excessive alcohol use
“It’s all about balanced living,” Dr. Halstead says.
Signs that help is needed
An older adult with dementia may need to seek extra support from family, a home health nurse, Meals-on-Wheels, an assisted living program, or some other form of care when:
- The situation at home becomes dangerous (For example, if adults are unable to prepare meals and do not get enough food)
- They are forgetting to take important medications
- They are unable to keep themselves or their homes clean
Because there are many causes of dementia—some of which are reversible—Dr. Halstead encourages anyone who is concerned about themselves or a loved one to discuss the symptoms with their family doctor.
* Source: Pine Rest Today, “Living with Dementia”. The complete issue is availabe on the Pine Rest Website.
FAMILY INSTITUTE EVENTSNovember 7
Institute for Spiritual Care Lecture Series
"The Power of Weakness: Utilizing Spiritual Resources in Clinical Contexts" Featuring Derek McNeil, PhD, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville, MI 49426. 3 MI CE collaborative clock hours.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 7
Marriage: Disillusionment and Resilience
Marriage and Family Building Series, featuring Derek McNeil, PhD. 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pine Rest's main campus, 300 68th Street SE, Grand Rapids. Cost: $10 (includes lunch). Co-sponsored by Pine Rest Family Institute and Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids. Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, call 616/455-5279, email: familyinstitute@pinerest.org, or visit www.healthymarriagesgr.org.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 6
Memory Screening Day
On Tuesday, November 6, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and Saint Mary’s Health Care are sponsoring Memory Screening Day. This free, confidential screening can help determine if you or a loved one are at risk for a memory disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and provide information on how to get help. Health care professionals will be available for one-on-one consultations and free handouts on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia will be provided. For more information call 616/364-1500.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 15
The Spirituality of Addictions
"The Spirituality of Addictions" Conference, featuring keynote addresses by Michael Fonseca as well as David Stoop, MDiv, PhD. Breakout sessions on related topics will follow. 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Prince Conference Center, on the campus of Calvin College. Hosted by the Grand Rapids Area Health Ministry Consortium (GRAHMC). Co-sponsored by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and Calvin College. For more information, call Suzan Couzens, Director of GRAHMC, at 616/643-0368.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 7, 14, 21, 28
Eating Disorders Therapeutic Support Group
Ongoing confidential group geared for persons with diagnosed eating disorders who are also receiving treatment from a health professional. 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Pine Rest Northeast Clinic, 1700 East Beltline, NE, Suite 240. Cost: $10/week. Facilitated by Michelle Muenzenmeyer, MA, LLP. An assessment or referral is required prior to joining the group. To schedule an assessment or for more information, call 616/364-1500.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 12, 26
Pine Rest 'Family Connection' Support Group
The Family Connection is a bi-monthly group for families who have a member with a diagnosed mental illness. Helps spouses, parents, siblings, and other caregivers more effectively deal with stress created by symptoms and behaviors. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Pine Rest's Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. Cost: Free. Facilitated by Jim Vander May, LMSW. Call 616/222-3700, ext. 4 for more information.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 6, 13, 20, 27
Anger Management Classes for Adults
Led by Jim Bottenhorn, MA, LLP, Director of Pine Rest’s Hospital Admissions. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Administration building on Pine Rest's main campus, 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids. Open to adults and older teens. Registration is required. Cost: $65/individual or $95/two family members. Class fee due at first class. Call 616/493-6033 for more information and to register.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 6, 13, 20, 27
Anger Management Classes for Teens
The classes will be led by Ryan LaRue MSW, LMSW, ACSW, outpatient therapist at Pine Rest’s Campus Clinic. The classes are designed for males and females, aged 12-17. Each session will be held over the course of four consecutive Tuesdays, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. in the Van Andel Center on Pine Rest’s main campus, 300 68th Street SE in Cutlerville.
Those who attend will receive information on the following:
• How to control anger & prevent angry outbursts
• Identifying the signs of anger
• How to express feelings
• Alternative ways to express anger
• Understanding the difference between anger, aggression, assertiveness & hostility
The cost is $75 per person. Those interested in these classes do not have to be patients of Pine Rest. Space may be limited and early registration is recommended. To register, call 616/222-4584.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
November 29, December 6, 13, 20
Anger Management Classes for Adults
Led by Sheila Wilkinson, MA, LLP, LLPC. The purpose of this class is to help you identify what anger is and what it is not and to help you identify your personal patterns of anger. This class can help you learn how personal thoughts and feelings contribute to anger outbursts. This class can also help you discover how assertiveness can assist in controlling anger and expressing feelings in a productive way. This class can help you develop skills to use anger in a productive way in relationships at home, work, or socially. Class times will run from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. The classes will be held at Pine Rest Mercy-Muskegon clinic, 1150 E. Sherman Blvd. Suite 2100, Muskegon, MI. Cost is $80/person or $120 for two family members (Includes all four classes). Fee is due at the first class; other payment arrangements may be considered. For more information, please call 231/733-2909.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
December 1
PREP Couples Communication Workshop
To help couples overcome common problems in miscommunication, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is hosting the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). The workshop will be held at the outpatient & administration building on Pine Rest’s main campus, 300 68th Street SE, Cutlerville, December 1 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sessions will be facilitated by Remi Rakipi, LMSW, clinician with Pine Rest Campus Clinic. Cost is $100 per couple and must be submitted with registration prior to the date of the workshop. To register, or for more information, interested persons should call 616/281-6450, or email: remi.rakipi@pinerest.org
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.
Pine Rest Services
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Disclaimer
| Copyright © 2007, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. All rights reserved. The contents of Mental Health News & Information are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. |  |
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