Caring for a Person with Dementia?

Dementia is a challenging journey that affects millions of people worldwide, with a range of symptoms that interfere with daily life and activities. At Grand Living, we understand the profound impact dementia has on both individuals and their loved ones. Thats why we have developed our LUMINATIONS program, designed to support seniors living with memory loss. Our approach embraces and builds upon each residents unique life story, ensuring that they maintain a sense of self and individuality.Grand Living Memory Care resident participating in pet therapy.Embracing Individuality: The LUMINATIONS Program at Grand LivingThe foundation of our LUMINATIONS program is our hospitality-focused care as part of our STERLING TOUCH signature service. We believe that the relationships we build with our residents and their families are essential in understanding and meeting their personal needs. Our program is not just about managing symptoms; its about enriching lives and preserving dignity.Lavender Lane is a women-only neighborhood and is a part of our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program.Special Requests: Voices of Those with DementiaKaren Powers, Grand Livings National Director of Training and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), integrates these crucial key requests from people living with dementia into her training sessions. These profound insights, gathered from numerous discussions on dementia and attributed to no single author, offer a powerful understanding that aids us in better supporting our loved ones with dementia.Grand Living resident enjoys our Luminations Memory Care garden.Please be patient with me. Remember, I have a disease for which I have no control.Talk to ME. Even though I cannot always answer you, I can hear your voice and still understand your words.Be kind to me. Each day of my life is now a struggle. Your kindness may be the most special event of my day.Treat me with dignity and respect as I would have gladly treated you.Consider my feelings for they are still very much alive within me.Remember my past for I was once a healthy, vibrant person full of life, love, and laughter with abilities and intelligence.Remember my present feelings. I miss my family and my home very much.Remember my future. Though it may seem bleak to you, I am always filled with hope for the next moment.Remember your presence may do more for me than any activity or task.I still like hugs and handshakes. I am still the person you know and love.These poignant requests remind us of the humanity and spirit that remain vibrant within our residents, despite the challenges they face. At Grand Living, we strive to honor these requests every day, ensuring our residents feel valued and understood.Grand Living Luminations Memory Care residents engage in chair exercises.The LUMINATIONS ExperienceAt Grand Living, our Luminations residents are cherished members of our family. They enjoy chef-prepared meals and have access to a variety of activities and events tailored to their needs and interests. Our thoughtful approach extends to our two distinct living environments: Monarch Lane and Lavender Lane. Monarch Lane offers a neighborhood for both men and women, while Lavender Lane provides a women-only venue, allowing families to choose the environment that best suits their loved ones comfort and preferences.The exterior hallways at Grand Livings Luminations residences are designed to help personalize each entrance for ease of finding an individuals home.Our Luminations neighborhoods are meticulously designed to minimize distractions and focus attention on each resident. The exterior hallways feature personalized apartment entrances with painted window scenes to assist residents in finding their homes, creating a unique and supportive way-finding experience.At Grand Living, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and a nurturing environment for our residents with dementia. Through our LUMINATIONS program, we honor their past, present, and future, ensuring they feel loved and respected every step of the way.Find out more about our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program here.

How do you decide between memory care vs. nursing homes when researching senior living communities for your loved one?Both long-term care options are appropriate for individuals who require assistance with the activities of daily living, and both provide skilled nursing care. However, they typically have distinct focuses, so its important to understand their differences when considering care for a loved one.Memory Care FacilitiesMemory care communities offer specialized care for people with dementia symptoms. Health professionals working at memory care residences undergo specialized training to better understand and care for those with memory impairments.Here are other characteristics of assisted living facilities that focus on memory care.Memory care residences offer specialized care for those living with dementia symptoms.Dementia care covers a wide range of diseases and diagnoses. For example, people with Alzheimers disease have dementia as do those with Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia. Memory care facilities focus on addressing the unique needs and challenges associated with cognitive decline.Memory care facilities are specifically designed for those with dementia.Memory care units are often designed with features and layouts that provide a secure environment and reduce confusion for residents. A memory care unit has secure entrances and exits to prevent wandering.Those working at memory care facilities are trained in managing behavior issues.You may have noticed that your loved one with dementia is becoming more agitated and aggressive as their disease progresses. Staff at memory care facilities are specifically trained to help residents with complex dementia behaviors.Memory care facilities emphasize activities that cater to residents cognitive abilities and interests.Medical professionals design activities for memory care communities that may help slow a patients cognitive decline.Nursing HomesNursing homes provide residents with a broad range of medical and personal care services. A nursing homes services may include:Assistance with activities of daily living.Medical care such as medication management, wound care, and physical therapy.While nursing home residents may have memory loss, this may not be their debilitating medical issue.Nursing homes serve diverse needs.Nursing homes typically admit residents with various health conditions, including chronic illnesses, disabilities, or rehabilitation needs. The resident population may include individuals with and without cognitive impairments.Nursing homes have a diverse staff to provide extensive medical support to residents.Nursing home staff may include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), therapists, and other healthcare professionals. The level of medical care is generally higher than in memory care facilities.What Type of Skilled Nursing Care Is Right for Your Loved One?Choosing between a nursing home and a memory care facility depends on the specific needs and conditions of those requiring care.If someone has dementia or Alzheimers disease, and their primary need is support for cognitive decline, a memory care facility may be a more appropriate choice. However, a nursing home may be a better fit if the individual has a range of medical needs beyond cognitive impairment.The good news is you dont have to make this decision alone. Retirement Unlimited staff will help you select the appropriate level of care for your loved one. And because we offer many different senior care options, your loved one may be able to start in one environment and move to another community if symptoms progress.Schedule a tour of a senior living community near you to learn about the types of care we offer.Key Takeaways: Choosing Between a Memory Care Facility or Nursing Home?Both memory care and nursing facilities can help dementia patients.Memory care residences offer specialized care for those living with dementia symptoms.Those working at memory care facilities are trained in managing behavior issues.Nursing homes have a diverse staff to provide extensive medical support to residents.Ask a professional for help determining what type of care your loved one needs.

Welcome to the "Timely Topics" series, a collaborative initiative by Synchrony Health Services and our community. Together, we bring you expert insights on relevant issues in senior care, combining Synchrony's healthcare expertise with our commitment to thoughtful living solutions, to empower seniors and their caregivers with valuable information. December is the perfect time to explore thoughtful holiday gift ideas for seniors residing in senior living facilities. At Synchrony, we understand the importance of choosing gifts that not only bring joy but also enhance the well-being of our cherished residents. Let's dive into a curated list of practical and meaningful gifts tailored to create memorable moments and foster a sense of connection during this festive season. Personalized Memory Books: Capture cherished moments by gifting residents personalized memory books. Fill the pages with photographs, mementos, and heartwarming stories, creating a tangible reminder of their unique journey and the connections they hold dearTherapeutic Comfort Items: Consider items that provide comfort and relaxation, such as cozy blankets, soft pillows, soothing essential oil diffusers or electric/battery powered candles. These thoughtful gifts contribute to a serene environment, promoting emotional well-being.Engaging Puzzles and Games: Stimulate mental agility with puzzles and games tailored to seniors' preferences and abilities. Choose options like large-piece jigsaw puzzles or tactile games that encourage cognitive engagement and foster a sense of accomplishment.Adaptive Technology Devices: Introduce seniors to the world of technology with user-friendly devices designed to enhance connectivity. Tablets with simplified interfaces, digital photo frames, or easy-to-use audio devices can facilitate communication with loved ones and bring the outside world closer.Indoor Garden Kits: Bring the beauty of nature indoors with small, manageable indoor garden kits. Seniors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening without leaving the comfort of their living space, nurturing plants that bloom with care and attention.Personal Care Pampering Sets: Treat residents to personal care pampering sets, featuring gentle skincare products and accessories. These sets offer a luxurious and comforting experience, promoting self-care and relaxation.Hobby Supplies and Craft Kits: Support residents in pursuing their creative passions with hobby supplies and craft kits. Whether it's painting, knitting, or other artistic pursuits, these gifts encourage self-expression and provide a fulfilling outlet for residents' talents.Sensory Stimulation Tools: Explore sensory stimulation tools, such as textured pillows, aromatherapy kits, or calming fidget gadgets. These items can provide comfort, engagement, and relaxation, catering to a variety of sensory preferences.Cozy Comforts: Help keep your loved one extra comfortable with some slippers. Make sure to buy ones that have backs or will be easy to balance in. A nice plush robe or grippy socks also make great additions. Let's celebrate this holiday season by choosing gifts that prioritize joy and meaningful connections for seniors in our care. At Synchrony, we believe in enhancing the quality of life for our residents to deliver the best care possible and achieve clinical excellence every day.