Sensory Outings Company
Mission Statement
The Sensory Outings Company is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, working with people with dementia including Alzheimer’s to engage and enjoy activities. The mission is the revolution dementia activities in memory care communities from group activities to focus on person-center activities. We offer tailor-made activities, designed to match each person’s interest and cognitive and physical skill level inspired by the Montessori Method. We strive to promoted self-worth and independence in people with dementia. Your support transforms lives!
Denver Post Nov. 17, 2017 news article about Sensory Outings Company & Montessori methods – (click here)
Founder Meghan Morrissey, Ph.D. (Executive Director) has 10 years experience caring for her mother Gale ( see Gale’s Journey). The need for activities became apparent, and the idea for Sensory Outings was developed. Meghan’s 15 years as a research professor at the Colorado School of Mines has provided her with the vision and understanding to develop this non-profit company and pursue her goal of creating a unique program for those living with dementia and memory loss.
Board Members
Jeannie Ney, Golden, CO. Register Occupational Therapist in geriatric treatment methods.
Suzanne Henn, Park Ridge, IL. Marketing and Account Executive with experience as a Fundraising Developer for non-profits.
Joyce St. Amand, Des Moise, IA. TRS. Recreational Therapist for seniors.
Our Dementia Activities Specialists
Sensory Outings Company professionals have 10+ years of experience and are trained by the highly regarded Alzheimer’s Association of Denver. We use Validation Therapyand have to Teepa Snow’s seminars. Our staff will wear a mask and use disinfectant before and after each activity.
Additionally, we follow the Montessori Method for dementia that includes:
- The activity should have a sense of purpose and capture the person’s interest.
- Offer choices wherever possible.
- Talk less. Demonstrate more.
- Use visual hints, cues or templates.
- Go from simple tasks to more complex ones.
- Focus on what the person can do with physical skills.
- Think engagement. There is no wrong or right.
- Foster a positive interaction.
Our professionals know that Alzheimer’s disease effects all five senses that include seeing or watching, listening, touching and feeling, tasting and smelling. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, listening is the least effected. Sight is the first to be affected by the disease. The peripheral vision continues to narrow the field of view and spatial awareness becomes lost (Teepa Snow, 2016). Other senses such as touching and tasting will progressively become enhanced, and smells will progressively become odorless. These are key factors that play into how Sensory Outings professionals interact with people at various stages of Alzheimer’s and structure participation in our activities. For example, an early-stage Alzheimer’s participant would know what to do with a paintbrush and watercolors. However, a mid-stage Alzheimer’s participant may know what a paintbrush is but not see the paper to use it on, or possibly what do with it. Its our privilege to engage and promote enjoyment and participation while attentive to these individual factors. Its our aim to serve early to late stage Alzheimer’s participants to their greatest capacity!
Nancy Schwartz: Lakewood–Aurora south Denver metro area
Laurie Brown: Boulder, Arvada north Denver metro area
Meghan Morrissey: South Denver metro area
Kelly Williamson : Tai Chi for the Denver metro area.
Remelee Kalalo : Mindful Movement and Denver metro.