ALZHEIMERS and OTHER DEMENTIAS

Our care program referred to as “Distinguishing Dementias” is focused on the differences among our residents, which define who they are today and how each resident is unique with individual needs and requirements. All residents receive personalized care and are treated with kindness and respect. Each resident is considered a valuable human being and a valuable member of the Hope family.  

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia disorders occur in progressive stages of decline in cognitive ability and memory with hallmarks at each stage. Recognizing the stages of an individual’s decline is critical because proper medical and caregiving needs vary significantly. Unlike most dementia care facilities, the architecture for Hope Memory Center is designed to group residents based on their stage of cognitive ability and memory loss, which allows specialized activities and care for each group. 

The implementation of the “Distinguishing Dementias Care Program” is based on a professional diagnosis of the type of dementia that afflicts the resident and his/her stage of loss of cognitive ability and memory. The most prevalent form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease; however, approximately 30% of all dementia is not related to Alzheimer’s disease. Other forms of dementia including Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Frontotemporal, etc. each have complex issues relating to behavior and cognitive function, which require individualized care considerations.

The importance of understanding and providing appropriate care for each form of dementia cannot be understated.  For instance, individuals afflicted with DLB will often hallucinate or become delusional.  It is important to know that individuals afflicted with DLB might react very adversely to antipsychotic drugs, which could even cause death.  The “Distinguishing Dementias Care Program” encompasses extensive training for the staff to understand and provide the appropriate care for each form of dementia.

Once an accurate diagnosis of dementia has been made, and cognitive abilities and memory function assessed, an Individual Care Plan is developed. Next, the individual becomes a resident at the “Village” most appropriate for his/her condition. At the Hope Villages, residents receive optimum care and maximum enjoyment of activities based on their stage of cognitive ability.