Navigating Alzheimer's and Dementia

Memory care provides a compassionate, secure environment with a team of specially trained professionals who understand the unique needs of those with cognitive decline. These communities are intentionally designed to promote safety and provide a sense of purpose for residents with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.

You might consider a memory care community for a family member if you are seeing:

• Changes in behavior or mood swings that are difficult to manage
• Confusion or disorientation that may compromise their physical safety
• Wandering or getting lost, which makes it unsafe for them to live in an unsecured environment
• Difficulty with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, and eating, even with some assistance

We understand how important it is to have peace of mind about the care your family member receives. At Cedarhurst, compassionate, dedicated professionals provide the best possible support, especially for those with cognitive decline.

The following training programs are offered and encouraged:

Alzheimer's Association recognition: Cedarhurst has a dementia care training curriculum that has been approved by the Alzheimer's Association. This curriculum incorporates evidence-based dementia care practice recommendations, which is a sign of a high-quality, up-to-date program.

Certified Dementia Practitioners: Managers are certified as Certified Dementia Practitioners through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. This means that the professionals overseeing your family member's care have a high standard of expertise, having completed comprehensive training and met rigorous standards in dementia care. This specialized knowledge allows them to provide the most compassionate and effective support possible.

Broad staff training: Dementia training isn't limited to memory care team members. Managers across all levels of care—independent living, assisted living, and memory care—are also encouraged to receive this training. This is a proactive approach, ensuring that all staff members are prepared to interact with older adults who may be living with some form of cognitive decline.

Person-centered care: The training emphasizes a person-centered approach, which means focusing on understanding the individual behind the diagnosis. This involves learning to identify triggers, understand the reasons behind challenging behaviors, and use non-pharmacological methods to address them. The goal is to support each resident's quality of life with respect and dignity.

Continuing education: Team members are encouraged to participate in continuing education modules focused on various aspects of dementia. This ensures that their knowledge and skills are always current.

We understand that a safe and secure environment is essential for peace of mind, especially for those living with dementia. Memory care communities are intentionally designed with your family member's well-being in mind, with multiple layers of security to prevent wandering and ensure residents can live in a comfortable and protected space.

Secure entrances & exits: Cedarhurst memory care communities feature secured entrances and exits with alarms and timers. This allows residents to move freely and safely within the community without the risk of accidentally wandering into an unsafe area.

Thoughtful, safe design: We have created a comfortable, homelike atmosphere that is also secure. This includes enclosed outdoor courtyards and walking paths, so residents can enjoy fresh air and nature in a safe, controlled environment.

Specialized, compassionate team: Memory care team members receive specialized dementia care training approved by the Alzheimer’s Association. They are trained to recognize the signs of wandering, understand the reasons behind the behavior, and use person-centered techniques to compassionately redirect residents when needed.

Cedarhurst communities offer a wide range of activities and programs to stimulate cognitive function and help residents stay sharp and engaged.

Here are some of the ways we support cognitive health:

• Games & puzzles: We have a variety of games available, including board games, card games, and puzzles. These are a fun way to exercise residents' brains, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance memory formation.
• Educational opportunities: Lifelong learning is a key part of our philosophy. We offer lectures, discussion groups, and classes on various topics to keep residents' minds active and engaged.
• Creative pursuits: Our arts and crafts workshops allow residents to explore their creativity, which is a great way to improve motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.
• Physical fitness: Physical activity is a proven way to improve cognitive function. We offer fitness programs, including yoga classes and walking clubs, and many communities have fitness centers and walking paths to help residents stay active.
• Specialized memory care programs: For those in our memory care communities, activities are intentionally designed to be full-sensory experiences. These programs, such as music therapy and art classes, are created to promote well-being, provide a sense of purpose, and support cognitive health in a gentle, compassionate way.

We understand that memory loss affects each person differently, and a person's needs can change over time. Our goal is to provide a caring environment that can adapt to your family member's needs—no matter what stage they are in.

Individualized care plans: We begin with a thorough assessment to understand your family member's history, preferences, and current cognitive abilities. From there, we create a personalized care plan that is tailored specifically for them. This plan guides our team in providing the right level of support, from hands-on assistance with daily tasks to gentle guidance and redirection.

Programs tailored to abilities: Our programs are not one-size-fits-all. They are designed to be engaging and meaningful for a wide range of cognitive abilities. This includes providing programs that are appropriate for people in the earlier stages of memory loss and those that are simple and comforting for people in the later stages. We focus on promoting a sense of purpose and connection rather than focusing on a person’s deficits.

Consistent team & environment: We strive for consistency in our team members and daily routines. This provides a sense of security and familiarity, which is especially important for people experiencing memory loss. Our team is trained to recognize individual cues and behaviors, which helps them anticipate needs and respond with empathy and compassion.

Community design: Communities are designed to be secure, easy to navigate, and free of dead-end hallways. This thoughtful design helps to reduce confusion and anxiety and supports residents' independence within a safe environment.

We know how important it is to keep family members informed and involved. We work to ensure there is open and regular communication with families.

Care plan meetings: We invite the families of those in memory care to be an active part of the care plan process. We hold regular meetings to review progress, discuss any changes, and get valuable input about their family member's preferences and needs.

Connection using our app: We use a specialized family engagement app to help keep everyone connected. Families can use this app to see photos and videos of daily life and to stay up to date on community events and programs.

Direct communication with our team: Our team is always here for the families of residents. We work to build relationships so that family members feel comfortable reaching out to us directly with any questions or concerns.

Educational resources: We also provide educational resources, such as blog articles and guides, to help families stay informed on topics such as senior living and caregiving. This helps empower them to be a strong and knowledgeable advocate for their family members.

Yes, in most cases. We offer a full continuum of care options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, so residents are able to receive the right level of support, surrounded by their friends and familiar team members, even as their needs evolve.

While our living options are designed to adapt to each resident's changing needs, there are some situations where additional care may be required. In these cases, a third-party provider may be needed to supplement services, or families can choose to explore living options with more comprehensive care, such as a skilled nursing facility.