For more information about the author, click to view their website: Orchard Pointe at Creek Valley
At Heritage Communities, the Montessori method is proving to be a powerful tool for enhancing the lives of residents in memory care senior living communities engage their senses and rediscover the world around them.
The Montessori method and dementia: helping residents feel a
sense of accomplishment
People with dementia often feel they are always being told what to do, with little control over their lives. The Montessori approach to dementia focuses on rediscovering and supporting the person behind the disease. Activities with meaning and purpose are put back into people’s lives, based on their needs, interests, skills and abilities.
Cindy Powell, Life Enrichment Director at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza in Peoria, Arizona, says the key is to find activities that relate to each person. “We choose activities that match the level of where that individual is,” she said. “The goal is to let them do it their way; to give them some sense of ownership in their life. One resident might be working on a craft. Another might have the task of setting a table or being asked to put away the items on their dining tray. We want them to have a sense of pride in what they are doing.”
This memory care program unique to Heritage Communities features individualized, multisensory activities based on the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori designed to help each resident:
The Snapshots program, exclusive to Heritage Communities, is for those with mild cognitive impairment. These residents also benefit from the powerful connection of the Montessori method and dementia. Participating residents have the opportunity to join and enjoy social engagement through thoughtfully designed activities in small groups, or one-on-one.
“Snapshots is perfect for those who are not as likely to engage or are a bit self-conscious about being in a group,” says Powell. “So, we place them in a smaller group, still doing the same activities we do with our larger group of residents. We strive to help these residents enjoy fun, social events, when larger group activities may create frustration and distraction. Often, they eventually feel comfortable enough to join the larger group. But if they don’t wish to do that, it’s fine.”
Snapshots structured activities happen several times a week, at times and places most comfortable for the residents. “Our goal is to help residents with mild cognitive impairments once again enjoy leisure activities they may have not enjoyed for some time,” says Powell. “We also will visit a resident’s room to chat or do an activity with them if they are more introverted,” she said. “Always, the goal is to keep exercising, socializing, pushing their brains.”
One very popular activity that has attracted many residents in memory care at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza is Major League Toss, a game like cornhole but with a baseball theme. “This has become super huge with our residents,” said Powell. “We add the elements of a major league experience like the seventh inning stretch and even fireworks. It gets loud in the lobby! Everyone loves it. And those on walkers have no problem tossing a ball through the hole. It’s a great way to inspire these residents to come together, play a complex game, and get some exercise. They feel accomplishment as well.”
For Powell and her tireless team members at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza, giving each person an experience, they can learn from and enjoy is the way to successfully merge the Montessori method and dementia.
“During these years of a senior’s life, they should be thriving, not just surviving,” she says. “These should be the best golden years of their life. And if we can keep them engaging, they can maintain their cognitive function longer than if they are just sitting at home and not doing much.”
Powell says the continuous engagement is another reason why the Heritage Communities’ Portraits Memory Care program and the Snapshots Program in assisted living are such good choices.
“At home, families can’t usually duplicate these games, or have the time to engage as much with their parent. Here, in a Heritage community, residents are socializing, learning, being stimulated all the time, and feeling encouragement. It’s a win for everyone: families can enjoy visiting their parent, while still living their own lives; knowing their loved one can benefit from these opportunities right here.”
Heritage Communities offers exceptional and highly personalized services for residents who need dementia care or Alzheimer’s care. Each day, our leadership and care teams actively embody our core values – compassion, trust, respect and fun – while earning the affection of our residents and family members alike.
We are dedicated to providing certified and attentive memory support care to residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and early-stage memory loss. We invite you to learn more.
We get to know, and love, each of our memory care residents. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour.
When it comes to healthcare, especially for our aging loved ones, exploring the numerous available options can be overwhelming. One term you might frequently encounter is skilled nursing. But what is skilled nursing and how does it differ from other forms of care? Lets delve into the details and clarify these concepts, including the award-winning skilled nursing offerings at The Glenview at Pelican Bay.What is Skilled Nursing?Skilled nursing refers to a high level of medical care that trained health professionals, such as registered nurses and therapists, must provide. This type of care is typically required for patients who need intensive medical attention and monitoring after surgery, serious illness, or injury. Skilled nursing services can include wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, physical therapy, and monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment.What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?A skilled nursing communityalso called a skilled nursing facilityis a licensed healthcare facility that provides 24-hour medical care and daily assistance for patients who need short-term acute care for recovery or long-term care due to chronic conditions. These communities are equipped with professional medical staff, including nurses, therapists, and physicians, who work together to provide comprehensive care plans tailored to each patients needs and goals.Is Skilled Nursing the Same as a Nursing Home?While skilled nursing communities and nursing homes may seem similar, they serve different purposes. Nursing homes primarily offer custodial care, which includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, for individuals who may not require extensive medical care. In contrast, skilled nursing facilities provide medical care for patients needing more intensive medical and therapeutic services. All skilled nursing communities offer nursing home services, but not all nursing homes offer skilled nursing care.Difference Between Skilled Nursing and Palliative CareSkilled nursing and palliative care often need clarification because the two types of care serve distinct roles. Skilled nursing focuses on rehabilitation and recovery to improve the patients health and independence. On the other hand, palliative care is centered around providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, focusing on improving the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Its not necessarily about curing the disease or illness but managing the symptoms and providing comfort.What Is Respite Care?Respite care is temporary care designed to relieve caregivers responsible for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability. It can be offered in various settings, including in-home, at a facility, or at a daycare center. Respite care ensures the primary caregiver gets a much-needed break to rest and recharge while providing the loved one with quality care in a safe environment.Discover Premier Skilled Nursing at The GlenviewFor over 20 years, The Glenview at Pelican Bay has been a trusted haven for seniors, offering exceptional care through our luxurious onsite healthcare center dedicated to helping you feel your best.What is skilled nursing at Premier Place? Its a sophisticated, beautifully remodeled, bright, inviting center offering first-class hospitality that begins the moment you step through the doors. All our patient rooms are private with their own bathrooms and lip-less showers for easy access. We also offer round-the-clock visiting hours so families can spend as much time as they need, providing continuous support and presence for their loved ones. With licensed nurses on staff 24 hours a day, exceptional hospitality, enjoyable activities and programs, and a 5-star rating, you receive the best care.Premier Places dedication to exceptional care and service for both short-term and long-term needs has earned state and national recognition. U.S. News & World Report awarded Premier Place the Best Nursing Home distinction with a 5 out of 5 rating for short-term rehabilitation. Additionally, our healthcare center received the Governors Gold Seal Award for Excellence, honoring Florida nursing centers that demonstrate sustained excellence in long-term care.At Premier Place, our approach to skilled nursing is truly personalized. Whether you need physical, occupational, or speech therapies after surgery, recovery from an acute illness, or long-term skilled care, our experienced experts and caregivers are here to support you in a spa-like setting.The care given here is more than excellent. The CNAs are kind, but even more important, they know what patients are here for and make sure they know what the patients goals are, said resident Ann Tabrizchi. The therapists are supportive and set realistic goals that build patient confidence. (They have) more inventive ways than I thought possible to accomplish routine household tasks. Overall, this is the best rehab in Lee and Collier counties.As the preferred skilled nursing care and health and rehabilitation center for the Naples community, our clinical outcomes consistently rate the highest in the area. Our multidisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, and aides specializes in therapies designed for seniors, ensuring every healing moment matters.We work closely with you, your family, your doctors, and your caregivers to provide comprehensive support on your road to recovery. Whether youre looking forward to grandkids and golf, beach picnics, or gardening, well help you get back to it all.If you or a loved one needs skilled nursing care, experience the comfort, healing, and well-being offered by The Glenview at Pelican Bay. Contact us to learn more.Featured Image: Unai Huizi Photography / Shutterstock
Tom and Sarah, aged 72, are ready to swap their hustle and bustle and snow-shoveling days in Long Island, New York for the stunning beaches and scenic landscapes of southwest Florida. After years of hard work and weekends dreaming of retirement, they want an active lifestyle filled with sun-soaked days, abundant coastline, and pleasant year-round weather.As they begin to explore senior living communities in the Naples area, they face a myriad of questions and considerations. From weighing amenities and services to asking the right questions about future care options, Tom and Sarah are determined to find the right place to live their dream retirement.In this blog, well discuss what to look for when touring a 55+ community, questions to ask independent living facilities and senior living frequently asked questions. Plus, well spotlight how The Glenview at Pelican Bay in Naples goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of seniors seeking upscale coastal retirement in southwest Florida.What To Look For When Touring a 55+ CommunityWhen exploring senior living options to find your perfect fit, there are many factors to weigh. From luxurious amenities to personalized services to future care needs and resident life, here are some things to consider during your search.Location: Check how close the community is to the people, places, essentials, and activities that matter most to youcultural experiences, recreational activities, dining, grocery stores, medical professionals, and shopping.Residences: Look at the living arrangements available, considering factors such as size, layout, and potential for customization. At The Glenview, you can choose from 18 different apartment and penthouse floor plans and custom-design your interior.Perks and pampering: Assess the amenities, services, and residence features and finishes to see if they align with your wants, needs, and lifestyle. Pay attention to the overall atmosphere, cleanliness, and maintenance of the community.Culture: Watch how residents interact with each other and with staff members. Note the energy within common areas, the upkeep of shared spaces, and the diversity of events offered.Health services: Evaluate the communitys continuum-of-care offerings. The Glenviews award-winning healthcare center, Premier Place, provides comprehensive care onsite, from physical therapy to long-term skilled care. GlenCare Home Care is another convenient service, that provides personalized in-home care.Resident insight: Chat with current residents and ask them about their experiences living in the community. What do they like most? Are there any areas for improvement?Senior Living Frequently Asked QuestionsPreparing a list of questions to ask senior living facilities when you tour communities is helpful. Here are some common senior living FAQs and answers to help guide you:1. What do some of the awards and certifications mean?Awards granted to senior living communities from credible sources serve as valuable resources, fill informational voids, bolster credibility, and help seniors and their families make informed choices. Look for designations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. At The Glenview, were proud of the top honors weve received in independent living, skilled nursing, home care, and resident and family satisfaction.2. What are the different kinds of senior living contracts?Senior living contracts can vary, but options may include rental agreements, LifeCare, or fee-for-service arrangements. The Glenview is Floridas only equity-ownership LifeCare community. This means a resident owns their apartment home and reaps the benefit of appreciated value over time in other words, your money is still working for you. Additionally, equity ownership means residents may qualify for tax deductions for property tax and medical expenses. Residents continue homeownership with all the perks and privileges of owning a home in Pelican Bay. As controlling members, residents participate in community decision-making and have access to comprehensive care.3. What is included in the monthly fee?The Glenviews all-inclusive monthly fee encompasses luxurious resort-style amenities and personal services. These include a state-of-the-art fitness center with wellness programs, gourmet dining experiences, housekeeping, maintenance services, and scheduled transportation. Engaging activities, social events, lifelong learning opportunities, and live entertainment further enrich our vibrant community.4. Who should go with me to look at senior living communities?Bring someone whose opinion you trust and who knows your preferences and needswhether its your spouse, adult children, friends, siblings, or a trusted advisor. During your visits, they can offer emotional support, valuable insights, and questions you hadnt considered.5. Whats the best way to get a feel for a community?Immerse yourself in the environment. Plan a guided community experience to explore the grounds, amenities, and living spaces. If possible, join in on any scheduled activities or events during your visit. Consider staying for lunch or dinner to sample the food and observe mealtime dynamics.6. What are your different care levels and offerings?Many senior living communities offer various healthcare services, from independent living and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing. Determine which levels of care are available and how they align with your current and future needs.7. How do I get my partner on board about moving to senior living?Start by having an open and honest conversation about your concerns and desires. Listen to their perspective and address any fears or objections. Research different senior living options together and emphasize the benefits, such as social engagement and relief from household chores. Visit communities to experience firsthand what they offer. Be patient and understanding, giving your partner time to adjust to the idea.The Glenview blends small-town allure and coastal treasures with big-city vitality and cultural amenities. Our community has everything you need to make retirement life as fulfilling as you hoped. Contact us to arrange a visit to discover more about our wealth of offerings.
AltaVita Senior Residences is a dream come to fulfillment for the Macy Family. The longtime Longmont locals desired a way to give back to the community in which they grew up. And what better way to deliver on that commitment than to provide a multigenerational housing opportunity for Colorado families: three levels of continuing senior care on one campus in an unmatched, upscale environment. Filling a niche for older folks who want a place to call home for years to come, AltaVita has thought of every lifestyle element that seniors desire and deserve in an adult living community. Here a foundation for a brighter future is built on a unifying philosophy: Always put the resident first. This means providing for all aspects of the aging process 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People are living longer and healthier lifestyles, and theyre remaining active, says Linda Berens, the campus Executive Director. Because of that many are looking for a multi-tiered campus offering continuing care within the familiar lifestyle. From involving family members in each residents life to creating a secure residence for those with advanced memory-related illnesses, AltaVitas well-designed campus and comprehensive services are built from the ground up to address and enhance every moment of daily living. One AltaVita residents family member said it best recently: I cant truly convey the appreciation I have for all that you have done. You have all been such a blessing to my mom and our family. The AltaVita team holds one another to a higher standard, which honors the important work they do, assisting the people who need them most. Enrich and enhance the lives of everyone we serve with respect and excellence: the AltaVita mission is confirmed daily by all the smiling faces. Three levels of care on one campus AltaVitas Longmont campus consists of the Memory Care Community, which opened in 2012; the Assisted Living Community, which followed in 2016; and the Independent Senior Living Community, which opened in June 2019. By building the community in three phases, planners have been able to thoughtfully design each building with residents in mind, taking into consideration the type of care they need and the amenities that will best suit them, explains Don Macy, owner.Memory Care Dr. Haleh Nekoorad-Long, M.D., a certified geriatric psychiatrist, is the medical director of AltaVita Senior Residences and works primarily with aging adults and issues regarding dementia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Recognized by the Alzheimers Association as a Leader in Dementia Care, the AltaVita Memory Care Centre is setting a new standard in Colorado for exceptional care for people with memory-related issues. AltaVita Memory Care Centre runs an adult day program, with respite services in suites specially designed for residents with Alzheimers and dementia. Additionally, care is customized for every residents level of dementia, ranging from acute medication management to the sense of freedom that comes with visiting AltaVitas beautiful garden patios and spacious, secure courtyard.Assisted Living With access to the same welcoming outdoor landscape, the AltaVita Assisted Living Community offers an upscale service focused intention. On the main level a great room welcomes visitors with a cozy fireplace, tavern, bistro and ice-cream parlor, and plentiful seating areas. The second floor overlooks the great room and features a large community room for varied activities as well as a comfortable lounge. Inclusive to the Assisted Living lifestyle are three meals every day, housekeeping and laundry services, social and recreational activities, 24-hour staffing, medical transportation, and emergency and nurse call systems. Independent Senior Living This is AltaVitas newest addition to the campus, a community for active adults who would like the enrichment of community life free of the responsibilities of home repairs. This maintenance-free lifestyle, including housekeeping, dining and transportation services, is designed to maximize that freedom and minimize those pesky daily duties. The new three-story building contains 84 stylish apartments with nine different floor-plan designs ranging from one bedroom, one bath to two bedrooms plus den and two baths. All include full kitchens, walk-in closets, large showers, washers and dryers, and private patios. The independent lifestyle program includes top-notch services and amenities like a full-service salon, fitness center, wellness programs, Tai chi classes, bistro and bar, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining room. And when the outdoors beckons there is easy access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. On behalf of the family, we wish to extend our gratitude to such an excellent place for Vern to live, report family members of the experience of their loved one at AltaVita. The friendliness of the staff is beyond compare. We are very impressed with the quality and freshness of the food; the execution of meals; the presentation of such meals.Whole-life WellnessAltaVita believes one of the most important aspects of maintaining good mental and physical health among an aging population is lifestyle. And thats where AltaVita really shines. Supporting every part of the individual, AltaVita subscribes to Whole-Life Wellness. The methodology is envisioned to enhance residents health through seven critical aspects of wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, vocational, physical, and intellectual. For more information on AltaVitas progressive approach to maximizing the lifestyle of seniors, visit altavitaliving.com or call 888.745.8268 to schedule a free tour.
At Orchard Pointe at Creek Valley, youll discover a home and lifestyle that lets you define living better on your terms. We believe retirement living really should bring more to your life. Right here in Carrollton, Texas. More choices.More flexibility.More freedom.More fun. Your family will discover a personalized experience, with a staff dedicated to your loved ones happiness and wellbeing. Whatever your needs, were here to connect you to the perfect living option. We offer seniors in and around Dallas, Texas, a conveniently located retirement living community that offers what you want today an Independent Living lifestyle and what you may need tomorrow Assisted Living and Memory Care.Orchard Pointe at Creek Valley is proudly owned and operated by Heritage Communities.
At Orchard Pointe at Creek Valley, youll discover a home and lifestyle that lets you define living better on your terms. We believe retirement living really should bring more to your life. Right here in Carrollton, Texas. More choices.More flexibility.More freedom.More fun. Your family will discover a personalized experience, with a staff dedicated to your loved ones happiness and wellbeing. Whatever your needs, were here to connect you to the perfect living option. We offer seniors in and around Dallas, Texas, a conveniently located retirement living community that offers what you want today an Independent Living lifestyle and what you may need tomorrow Assisted Living and Memory Care.
At Orchard Pointe at Creek Valley, youll discover a home and lifestyle that lets you define living better on your terms. We believe retirement living really should bring more to your life. Right here in Carrollton, Texas. More choices.More flexibility.More freedom.More fun. Your family will discover a personalized experience, with a staff dedicated to your loved ones happiness and wellbeing. Whatever your needs, were here to connect you to the perfect living option. We offer seniors in and around Dallas, Texas, a conveniently located retirement living community that offers what you want today an Independent Living lifestyle and what you may need tomorrow Assisted Living and Memory Care.Orchard Pointe at Creek Valley is proudly owned and operated by Heritage Communities.