Summit Christian Academy high school students were given the opportunity to participate in a Memory Care Internship facilitated by Memory Caregiver Academy of Austin (MCAAustin).
Over the course of two training days, students were taught practical skills to support individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. These trainings give students real-world tools they can apply and carry with them beyond graduation. Our students learned assistive feeding techniques, how to work with adaptive clothing, and participated in a therapeutic craft used with those living with dementia.
During training, students also participated in an experience designed to mirror some of the daily challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. While wearing tunnel vision glasses, two layers of gloves, and headphones playing distracting sounds, students were asked to complete simple tasks. Many students shared that the experience gave them more compassion for people living with dementia. They are excited to take the skills they’ve learned into the real world when they volunteer at a local memory care center in the coming weeks.
MCAAustin seeks to improve the quality of care for individuals with dementia by training people in the unique needs of memory care. Through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experiences in actual memory care facilities, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate care.
This experience aligns with Summit Christian Academy’s commitment to developing students who are prepared to serve others with excellence. Through this internship, students are gaining valuable life and career skills, as well as learning how to see people through the lens of God-given value.
SCA is grateful to College Guidance Counselor Lizzie Ten Brook for connecting our school with MCAAustin and for encouraging students to participate in this unique opportunity. By investing in experiences like these, our hope is that our students will leave Summit Christian Academy excited about their unique giftings from God, using them to impact their world for Jesus Christ.
