Micki Allred (MS-SLP ’22) and Jim Ahlander (left), a long-term resident at Pointe Meadows
As a graduate student clinician at Pointe Meadows Health and Rehabilitation in Lehi, Utah, Micki Allred (MS-SLP ’22) assisted people with dementia with expansive and alternative communication. After her graduation, she took a position at her Pointe Meadows and her Provo Rehab.
In his first month of full-time employment, Allred has already touched the lives of many, including one patient in particular named Jim Ahlander.
Jim is a long term resident of Point Meadows with a history of dementia, cerebrovascular disease and stroke. He lost his sight in his later years and went blind five years ago. He has a lot of life experience and a complex and dynamic personality. He raised his five children as a single father, ran his own business, played jazz professionally as his drummer, and earned a black belt in martial arts.
When Jim was first admitted to Point Meadows, he spent most of his time in bed, resisted wheelchair assistance, and did not engage in activities. was saying Due to his hearing loss, he had a significantly lower background noise threshold and exhibited agitation in difficult environments such as his dining room. Enter Mickey Allred.
speech therapy with music
Prior to earning an MS-SLP from the School of Health Sciences at St. Augustine University, Allred earned a master’s degree in music. Through her interviews and questions about her personal history, Allred found that her MS-SLP graduate, Jim and her musician husband, John, have a common connection that combines music and patient therapy lessons. discovered. Jon’s friend Lars Jorgathon, a famous 60’s bassist, was playing in the same band as Jim!
Allred began working to make speech therapy appropriate for Jim and many other Point Meadows residents.
John and Lars performed jazz music while demonstrating the topics taught by Allred regarding improvisation, melody and musical dynamics.
Thirty patients and residents followed this group closely.
Jim sat in the front row for the entire 50-minute session, staying for an hour to visit other residents before having lunch in the dining room. Afterwards, he had plenty of energy and was willing to engage in occupational therapy after lunch.
