Hearing the doctor say that your loved one has dementia can open emotional floodgates. Initially, there may be grief about the disease, followed by the overwhelming sense of what to do next.
Caring for them around the clock could become risky on top of other life responsibilities like working or raising your family. Thankfully, there are experts available to provide support in dementia-friendly environments.
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Understanding Dementia
Although Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, each type has different symptoms and affects individuals differently. Edgewood’s memory care communities and adult day services programs have fewer residents. Staff are available to offer additional time with each resident individually.
Staff at Edgewood receive initial and annual training to ensure they fully understand how dementia impacts the people and families they support. However, more education is always great!
Depending on the opportunities available, staff may take additional courses or obtain certifications to enhance their knowledge. Executive Director Debbie Bellar from Edgewood Memory Care in Norfolk recently completed a class to become a certified dementia care practitioner.
Debbie explained, “During the Certified Dementia Practitioner class, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of dementia and the best practices for providing compassionate and effective care. I learned about various strategies to enhance communication, manage behaviors, and create a supportive environment for individuals with dementia. The course emphasized the importance of understanding each resident’s unique history, preferences, and needs to tailor care plans effectively. At Edgewood Memory Care, we are committed to applying this knowledge to ensure our residents receive personalized care. We focus on understanding each resident’s life story, preferences, and routines to create a personalized care plan that enhances their quality of life. By incorporating the techniques and strategies learned in the course, we aim to provide a nurturing environment where each resident feels valued, understood, and supported.”
Behavior is Communication
Dementia can impact a person’s ability to speak and understand what’s happening and being said. If a resident can’t say they’re not feeling well or anxious, they may behave in a way that suggests something is amiss.
Pacing the hallways or trying to leave are common in those with dementia. While walking can be soothing, they could be at risk if they go into the community away from people familiar with their condition.
At the same time, words like “No” or “Remember” can become triggers for those with dementia. Because of that possibility, staff must tailor responses even if a resident is trying to leave the building. With smaller numbers of residents, the specially-trained staff can communicate so that each resident will understand and feel calm even when everything around them feels unfamiliar. Whether their residents need an activity to distract them from feeling restless or a breath of fresh air outside, Edgewood’s memory care staff take the time to listen carefully to their needs and offer calming ways to support them.
Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space, we have the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
—Viktor E. Frankl
Dementia-Friendly Environments Can:
- Enhance Resident Safety
- Reduce/Deter Harmful or Risky Behaviors
- Encourage Comfort & a Sense of Calm
- Provide Meaningful Activities Each Day
- Improve Quality of Life
- Educate Families About Dementia
- Offer Families & Loved Ones Peace of Mind
Often, when loved ones are diagnosed with dementia, we grieve the person we feel we’ve lost. Thinking of the things they can’t do any longer can create strong emotions. However, with the proper environment and support, those with dementia can do many things. Although our loved ones might be different than we imagined, there is still the opportunity for them to lead a life of purpose and one that provides joy each day.
Edgewood’s Memory Care Services Feature:
- A Smaller Number of Residents
- More Staffing with Specialized Training
- Smaller Apartments to Reduce Confusion/Apprehensiveness
- Activities Specially Designed to Spark Joy
- Secure Outdoor Spaces
- Supervision at All Times
If you or someone you love is looking for a long-term memory care community or short-term support, Edgewood offers options. Additionally, we offer adult day services so those with memory loss can spend the day with us. They can receive medications, meals, and personal care support, like bathing. Best of all, they can participate in meaningful activities in a safe environment.
Another helpful option is a short-term stay. These temporary stays can serve as trial stays for residents to try memory care to see if they acclimate well. They can also help provide a break for caregivers to tend to other responsibilities.
Short-term options can be an excellent way to determine what will work best for families undecided about long-term moves. Contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com today to learn more.
