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<\/a>Ornelas began instructing occasional art classes for LAMDA seniors two years ago in her private studio in Pilsen. When she realized the importance of her work, six months ago, she began working full-time with the organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The classes and the interaction with other elders have helped some cope with depression, Ornelas said. The activities help them gain confidence and independence that can naturally lift their spirits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI try to motivate them and within a couple of months they\u2019re excited to be interacting with the rest of the class, creating art, and no longer need my help as much,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When she teaches she focuses on impressionism but they also create landscapes and modern art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany of them indulge in creating their art (now). They weren\u2019t aware of how much they enjoyed art and now even enjoy going to museums and analyzing pieces because of the knowledge they were able to acquire from our class.\u201d said Ornelas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzalez\u2019s daughter, Reyna de Jesus, 61, makes sure that her father attends the class religiously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her father suffered from a stroke seven years prior that left him with stage two Alzheimer\u2019s, she said. The art classes have given him newfound motivation and it\u2019s given her some support as she takes care of her father. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI (take care of him full time) because, besides all the love I have for him, I wouldn\u2019t want to put him in a nursing home because I feel as if he would fall into depression and he would leave us sooner than anticipated,\u201d De Jesus said in Spanish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Latino elders are more likely than other ethnic groups to develop dementia and their caretakers, often their family members, tend to be more emotionally and economically impacted, according to research<\/a>. They are also less likely to get a diagnosis or seek treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Constantina Mizis, 56, whose great-grandmother also suffered from Alzheimer\u2019s, was inspired to create the nonprofit organization that works to educate and engage Spanish-speaking Latino caregivers by providing skill-building training and support programs. The organization evolved to ensure programming, like the art class and karaoke for the seniors to better their quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen people ask me \u2018why would I feel the need to support your organization?\u2019 to which I respond, \u2018It\u2019s a moral responsibility to look after our elderly and take care of one another!\u2019, Mizis said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LAMDA doesn\u2019t just serve seniors with Alzheimer\u2019s and Dementia, they serve all seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wanda Petrovic, 65, found her way to LAMDA\u2019s doorstep two years ago after her husband died. Now the art program is one of her favorites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was completely crushed after my late husband\u2019s death\u2014but a friend brought me to LAMDA, I was revived; thanks to LAMDA and all of the wonderful people here,\u201d said Petrovic. \u201cEvery day I feel that love, that warmth of their embrace, their respect and I feel absolutely comfortable.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n She was proud of all the paintings that Ornelas picked as part of the exhibit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn those moments when I am painting, it gives me an enormous amount of relaxation and I started to be more fond of art after our teacher took us to the art museums,\u201d Petrovic said. \u201cI could distinguish what techniques the painter was using, thanks to the art education I have been able to receive.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n De Jesus said she is grateful for her father and for all the support she\u2019s found in the organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLAMDA has helped my father tremendously as he is also able to remember a song he composed for the city of Chicago; Will you sing it to us, father?\u201d De Jesus asked him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChicago, Chicago ciudad de bullicio, sin duda seras la mejor del mundo..\u201d sings Gonzalez in Spanish in a melodic tune. \u201cChicago, Chicago the city of hustle and bustle, no doubt you will be the best in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cover Photo: Reyna De Jesus and her father, Raymundo Gonzalez, presents his art at LAMDA Headquarters in Cicero, Ill., March 8, 2024. Seniors are learning to cope with memory loss through painting at the LAMDA art exhibition. (Luisa Omelas)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Publisher\u2019s Notes:\u00a0Painting Memories: Art uplifts and inspires a 91-year old Mexican man with dementia<\/em><\/a> was first published on The DePaulia. To read the story in Spanish, click\u00a0HERE<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/depauliaonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/IMG_7562-1-1200x900.jpg\")
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