Residential Memory Support

A: It’s understood that a resident in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss has different engagement needs, interests and abilities than those in later stages. We are committed to keeping our residents as actively engaged in their environment as possible, regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities or mobility. In the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, engagement is more personal, focusing on sensory stimulation and comfort. Music, lights, fragrances, touch and taste are used to keep them engaged. During meals, our care partners guide the resident’s hands to help them feed themselves, and food is prepared to meet their needs. We will capitalize on whatever operational memory they have to keep them involved in their own activities of daily living.

A: It is our goal to guide our memory support residents throughout the extent of their life journey. Our home care staff is available should your loved one require additional care. Hospice may be invited to support families as end of life approaches. There may be circumstances in which a move to a skilled nursing facility or hospice residence is necessary. This would occur if your loved one’s behavior or health creates an unsafe environment for others. This could include a contagious illness or combative behavior that could not be safely managed by our staff. Also, a move could be required if the resident no longer met the state’s criteria for assisted living or if our team felt we were no longer able to meet their needs appropriately. These decisions would be reached with input from everyone involved in their care, and a plan would be agreed upon before any changes would be made.