Area students make a difference to residents with dementia

By Ann Head, MSN, RN; Clinical Staff Educator, WesleyLife

This semester, students in the Waukee, Iowa, High School APEX program partnered with residents at Brio of Johnston, a WesleyLife community, as well as the greater WesleyLife organization to create purpose kits. The personalized activity boxes — created by Avery Brandt, a junior, and Lydia Cox, a senior — are designed to bring residents joy and comfort, and provide them with a sense of engagement.  

The Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) program connects high school students with real-world, community-based projects aligned to their career interests. Through hands-on learning and professional mentorship, students gain practical skills, explore career pathways, and make meaningful contributions to local organizations. APEX empowers students to apply classroom knowledge in authentic settings, fostering collaboration, creativity, and a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.

Before starting the project, the students participated in a dementia education session to help them to better understand the needs of residents living with dementia. After completing the immersive session, they interviewed residents and families to learn about the residents' meaningful life moments.

Using the insights they gleaned, Avery and Lydia curated items that reflected each resident’s interests, some tied to past careers or family and others chosen simply to spark joy.

On Friday, December 4, the students presented
the kits to five residents during a celebratory breakfast. The event was filled with smiles, surprises, and the sharing of memories.  Avery and Lydia said the experience taught them the importance of truly knowing a person’s story to create meaningful connections. 

Terra Lyon, director of social services for Brio, was an instrumental part of the project, identifying residents who most would benefit from purpose boxes. Everyone involved with the project appreciated Terra's assistance in arranging interviews and helping families curate items for the boxes.