NM State University Masters of Speech Pathology studentS PRACTICUM WITH ELDERS

The New Mexico State University Department of Special Education of Communication Disorders Masters of Speech Pathology student’s practicum hours are concentrated at the Arbors Dementia community in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  They participate twice per week, the entire semester encompassing the whole school year.

For the most part, eight to ten students participate per session for a period of at least two hours, engaging every single one of our Elders. The schedule for each day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, impeccably recited by every Elder, students and staff. An amazing experience of memory windows from our Elders is observed by everyone.

After the opening of the sessions, the Elders work with orientation – date, time and season. Moving into simple ROM/Stretching exercises, songs, language activity, arts and crafts and sensory activities.  These multiple techniques are so important to the quality of life of our Elders by connecting both sides of the brain.