Stanardsville, Va. (Feb. 2025) —The Harbor at Renaissance of Greene County is home to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other forms of memory loss. The community is dedicated to providing innovative memory care that helps residents meet their highest quality of life each day. In this spirit, The Harbor will host Loretta Veney, an inspirational speaker and certified ‘LEGO® Serious Play®’ facilitator. Veney will provide training for the Harbor teams members to enhance their life enrichment programs, as well as training for family members on creating meaningful interactions with their loved ones. The goal is to promote effective communication while evoking memories for residents during times of play.
In 2006, when Veney’s mother, Doris, was diagnosed with dementia, she began educating herself about the disease. Veney began engaging with her mother using LEGO® bricks and immediately saw benefits from it. She eventually began facilitating ‘LEGO® Serious Play®’ workshops for other caregivers. As a result, Veney and her mother were chosen as one of the Robin Roberts Thriver Thursday recipients and were featured on Good Morning America. They have also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The NY Times and a PBS special. In 2023, Veney was recognized with a Maude Award, given to individuals and companies using innovative methods for engaging with those with dementia. Veney is the author of Being My Mom’s Mom, Refreshment for the Caregiver’s Spirit, and Colors Flowing from My Mind.
Family members of The Harbor residents will have the opportunity to join one of the two sessions where Veney will present on how to use LEGO® play with loved ones in various stages of memory loss. LEGO® play encourages residents to be creative while also stimulating conversation. Most importantly, it is designed to foster meaningful connections between loved ones.
The presentation will be held at The Harbor at Renaissance community on February 28 from 10:20 – 11:45 and 1:20 – 2:45. You may RSVP to the event by calling Liesa Dodson at (434) 985-4481.
