My husband is currently at The Ivey and enjoying it! A few years ago he had a bad fall in Aspen. This was followed by a series of mini strokes that left him with severe muscle weakness in his legs and some cognitive impairment.
I was at my witt's end trying to find help for him when someone mentioned The Ivey. Tim spends four afternoons a week there and really seems to relish every moment. Housed in a cozy building that looks like a ski lodge in the woods, their caring, efficient and well-educated staff out-do themselves everyday to provide a stimulating, enjoyable and non-threatening environment for their members. Because they are devoted to their cause and are caring people by nature, many of them have been at The Ivey since its founding.
My husband loves their senior scholars program. Last week they talked about the Vanderbilt family and he was completely engaged, looking up references to them on my computer and the History Chanel. Next thing I know, he is researching a couple of artists, and reading up on shipwrecks. This certainly beats sitting in front of the TV for hours! Each day they have a socialization period, exercise, and discussions on a variety of topics. Sometimes they have dancing, singing, lectures and other entertainment brought in from the outside, in addition to music therapy, art therapy and PT.
Specialized neuro-therapy from a neurology institute in Santa Monica, California is his favorite. They have invented tools for those challenged with cognitive decline. My husband is working to train his brain to respond through memory and movement exercises. I understand this is unique in Charlotte, and I have not seen anything quite like it elsewhere.
Their Family Resource Manager is amazing, sharing years of knowledge about neurologists, logistics, prepared meals and just about anything you might need help with. As a caregiver, they have given me much needed downtime so that I can be my best when my husband is home. My mother always said there are angels among us if we just look fo them. I think I have found quite a few of them working at The Ivey. read more