It was while getting her doctorate in neuropsychology that Johanna Jameson consistently noticed the gaps in care for those living with dementia. One of the things she noticed was that many patients suffering from dementia still wanted to, and could, do physical activity but weren’t given any options.
“I’ve worked my whole career with dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers and dealt with a lot of caregivers,” the Counseling Psychology alum explains. “What they shared with me over and over again was that though their loved ones’ memories were gone, they were still physically strong. Their physical needs hadn’t changed, and they needed activities that stimulate…activities that traditional daycares didn’t really offer.”
An idea began to germinate and it all came together when she and fellow TCSPP alum John Jameson got married. The ceremony took place on an organic farm, and as Johanna explains, “I that it would make a beautiful setting for people with dementia. I knew it could be something where we could develop an active method of dementia care and offer something more dignified.”
Together, the couple launched Memory Farm, LLC. Located 46 miles west of Chicago, it offers farm-based activities in a safe and accepting environment for those with dementia. Activities offered include animal therapy where clients interact with miniature goats and a therapy dog, yoga, lawn games and flower, sensory and vegetable gardening and harvesting.
“There’s no institutionalized feel here because we’re on a farm,” John, a graduate of the I/O Program put in. “The activities and the surroundings help to give dementia sufferers a sense of purpose. They feel like they’re making a difference, and are part of something bigger than themselves. They’re part of a community.”
The three-acre farm includes a farmhouse where the Jamesons live and organize indoor activities like baking, arts and crafts and chair yoga for clients; a barn with a potting shed for potting plants and another barn that they hope to use for equine therapy.
“The backyard is fenced in, so it’s safe for wandering, which is a difficult behavior seen in dementia,” Johanna says. “The fence looks like typical fencing, and it doesn’t look like they’re going to typical daycare. They’re coming to a farm and helping us out. There’s purpose and work, and there’s dignity in that.”
They also offer services for caregivers, including counseling services, support groups and monthly social events. Adult day cover services are also offered on an hourly, half-day or full-day basis, giving many caregivers a much-needed respite from what can be difficult work.
“It’s been a unique journey. We haven’t found a business like this, so there wasn’t a subscriptive business model that we could just drop right into this,” John continues. “We find ourselves ahead of the curve, and hopefully being on the front end of a field that’s going to create a lot of difference in a lot of lives, specifically because we’re focusing on quality of life.”
The Jamesons met in 2014 through a student-run Facebook group. They were both taking classes on the Chicago Campus. “We met because of our affinity for veterans. The group was for students interested in working with veterans. I ran the social media around it, and one day John commented, I liked the comment and we started a conversation.”
“And the rest is history,” John says with a laugh. “It was a Wells Street love story!”
Memory Farm is located at 46W747 Main Street, Elburn, Illinois. The email address is [email protected] and the telephone number is 630.306.0660.
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