Being diagnosed with early-onset dementia at 55 didn’t stop Jim from pursuing his passions—or discovering new ones. With the support of Open Circle of Hopkins, Jim rekindled his love for art and started singing in the choir there.

“I would say being able to identify those two creative, engaging activities—art and music—has really been important and added so much to his life,” Jim’s care partner Laura says.

Difficulty Turns into Hope

After Jim received his diagnosis, Laura didn’t know where to turn for support.

“I was saying it was important for Jim to be engaged in activity,” Laura says. “I work full-time and I’m not able to have as much time as I’d like to keep him engaged.”

After a social worker recommended adult day services at Open Circle of Hopkins, Laura did her research and met with the staff.

“I saw they had been around 40 years and there was a lot of indication that they were well respected in the community for delivering on their promise to provide the kind of atmosphere conducive for someone like Jim,” Laura says.

When Jim began attending Open Circle, Laura found a new level of peace.

“They are a life saver because having those six hours where he was able to attend allowed me the ability to not be anxious,” Laura says. “I knew he was safe. I knew he was getting meals, snacks and trained people in this particular area of dementia and memory would know specific activities to keep him engaged and enhance his life.”

A New Love for Art and Music

Jim has always loved creating art. Before attending Open Circle, he was reluctant to work on his art because it no longer looked the way it once did.

“The transformation occurred where he was encouraged and they met him where he was at from an art perspective and gave him the support he needed to do art in the manner he was most comfortable with,” Laura says. “He has created some amazing pieces he is really proud of.”

He was especially thrilled to have his art hung at the Hopkins Activity Center with other Open Circle artists.

Along with art, music serves as an integral part of Open Circle activities. Noticing that Jim enjoyed singing along with music, the staff encouraged him to join the choir.

“Jim can no longer read and never read music, but they provide the support for him because he hears the music and it comes to him,” Laura says.

She enjoys attending the choir concerts, just as Jim enjoys participating.

“I think they’re fabulous and very joyful,” Laura says. “Jim has the biggest smile on his face ever. He just looks so happy, like he’s in his happy place.”

Praise for the Program

Laura speaks highly of Open Circle, calling it “a gift to the community” and expressing deep appreciation for the people who make it possible.

“I feel Carol, Terri, Laura and all the different staff are always willing to share, support, meet us along this journey knowing it can be an emotional roller coaster,” Laura says. “I know they’re doing the utmost for him to have an enhanced life.”

Laura believes the Open Circle team love their jobs and it shows.

“Most importantly, they do it passionately,” she says. “It doesn’t feel like it’s a job. It feels like it’s a mission and a passion. You can really tell how authentic they are in doing that.”

Their passion and support make an impactful difference in Jim and Laura’s lives.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done had this not been available for him.”