Orderlies and Relational Care Orderlies who work in assisted living and long-term care residences have a tough job. Not only is the work physically and mentally demanding, but they have to walk a fine line. The ‘job’ must be done, of course, but the orderly is also there to serve the residents. They are there to help them. And…
Case Study: The Transformation of Evergreen Manor* – Let’s delve into the transformation of Evergreen Manor, beginning with the background. Evergreen Manor, a mid-sized senior care residence in the Midwest, had been grappling with several challenges, including high staff turnover, frequent incidents of responsive behaviors among residents with dementia, and concerns about its financial sustainability. The facility operated on a…
30 Practical Tips for More Meaningful, Positive, and Comfortable Family Visits – Visiting a family member or loved one with dementia requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. Below, we provide 30 practical tips to help you. It’s not uncommon for family members to feel uncertain or even apprehensive about visiting, often unsure of what to say or how to engage…
Henry Thompson had always been a man of purpose. A retired schoolteacher with a mind as sharp as his wit, he had spent decades shaping young lives, filling classrooms with laughter and learning. His charm, warm smile, and love for jazz made him the life of every gathering. But life, with all its twists and turns, had a different…
Challenges of the Home Model in Dementia Care Residences While the home model presents several challenges, particularly in larger care facilities, these obstacles can be effectively overcome with the right approach and training. One of the most powerful tools for achieving success in this model is the Montessori Method for the Cognitively Impaired. When staff are properly trained in…
Nutrition and Hydration in Dementia Care – Dementia patients often have unique needs, when it comes to nutrition and hydration, due to changes in metabolism, appetite, and the ability to chew or swallow. As the disease progresses, these needs may become more complex, requiring careful planning and consideration. Ensuring that the patient receives adequate calories is crucial, especially if…
Reminiscence Therapy for People Living with Dementia – Reminiscence Therapy (RT) is a therapeutic approach used to support individuals with dementia by encouraging them to recall and discuss past experiences. This technique leverages the relatively preserved long-term memory in dementia patients to improve their psychological well-being and cognitive function. Here’s an in-depth look at what reminiscence therapy involves and…
Considerations and Steps for Implementing Person-Centered Care for People with Dementia – Caregivers can effectively implement person-centered care, respecting the individuality of each person with dementia and enhancing their quality of life by following these steps… Step #1: Work to understand the individual so you can tailor care to their unique needs and preferences. Learn about the person’s life…
Importance of Offering Choices to People with Dementia – Offering choices to people living with dementia is crucial for several reasons. First of all, it promotes autonomy and dignity. Allowing individuals with dementia to make choices helps maintain their sense of independence and self-worth. It respects their ability to make decisions about their own lives, which is essential for…
Understanding Spaced Retrieval in the Context of Dementia – Spaced Retrieval (SR) is a cognitive intervention technique used to help individuals with dementia retain and recall information over progressively longer intervals. Spaced retrieval is a valuable technique in dementia care that leverages the spacing effect to help individuals retain and recall information over progressively longer intervals. It offers numerous…
In memory care, one of the most common breakdowns is social recognition. The breakdown…
This may be uncomfortable to read—and even more uncomfortable to recognize in ourselves. It’s…
