THRIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Close your eyes and think of the smell of lilac. What image comes to mind? Our senses are some of the most powerful and direct sources to memory. Some of our strongest memories, our most potent associations, are triggered by odor. A smell that you associate with an event or moment in the past will often transport you to that moment. It can do so much more than just stir a memory.
Home Again combines several professional specializations to improve quality of life care for our residents. Our approach to memory care focuses on the treatment of residents as a whole person. We take into consideration mental and social factors, rather than simply treating the physical symptoms of Dementia.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US
DIRECT CARE STAFF
Staff will begin to learn how your loved one acts and reacts to situations through observation. They may act differently then usual, this is okay and completely normal. Staff will observe and encourage your loved one to interact with others in a social setting, staff will also encourage Life Enrichment and engagement.
MEDICAL TEAM
The Medical Team will oversee medication administration, skin assessments, fall assessments and prevention, and ensure nutritional needs are being met.
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
The Community Director will keep the lines of communication open between the family, staff and the medical team. The Community Director will make referrals to the Training Director if extra support is needed for the Community Member or family.
TRAINING DIRECTOR
The Training Director will ensure that each Community team will have the proper training, knowledge, and resources for all situations. The Training Director will always be a resource for each Community, Staff, Resident and Family Member.
ACTIVITY/BEHAVIORAL EXPRESSION ENHANCEMENTS
Realistic Feeling Pets
Realistic Feeling & Sounding Pets
Benefits include companionship, lower anxiety, help with depression, trigger pleasant memories.
Active Tactile Stimulation
Active Tactile Stimulation
Anything touched and anything that touches us can be stimulating. Every solid object has texture, temperature, shape. Balls in a collection can be smooth or rough, hard or soft, furry or…not. The sense of touch also includes the differentiation and recognition of temperature, pain, and body position (proprioception).
Visual Aids
Visual Aids
For adults experiencing memory loss, the ability of the brain to remain visually engaged with interior surroundings is well documented as being crucial for enhancing daily living potential.
Olfactory Stimulation
Olfactory Stimulation
In addition to the therapeutic benefits of the oils themselves, studies have also shown that Aromatherapy: sensory stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s can decrease agitation, improve sleep and improve the overall quality of life for those living with the disease.
Light Therapy
Light Therapy
Daily exposure to Bright Light Therapy helps dementia patients with sleep disorders sleep longer and spend more time in deep sleep. As an added benefit, cognitive deterioration slowed with regular exposure to bright light, and symptoms of depression decreased.
Music/Sound Therapy
Music/Sound Therapy
When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia benefit from creative activities like art and music. Art projects give a sense of accomplishment and purpose while allowing older adults to express themselves non-verbally.
Himalayan Salt Lamp
