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Supporting Families Through the Memory Care Journey

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Are you concerned about or caring for someone who is challenged by memory loss? You are not alone. Dementia affects more than 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths each year. The impact of dementia on the population is significant. The number of new dementia cases in the U.S. is expected to double because of the aging U.S. population. By 2060, the total number of cases will be 13.9 million.

At Valage Senior Living at Carson Valley, we believe dementia is a journey that is best taken together. To meet the needs of wherever each resident and their family are in their journey, we offer customized support each step of the way in the transition to memory care. In this blog, you’ll learn about how our Journey program supports residents with dementia and their families, and you’ll discover the value of our M.A.P.S. philosophy.

How Our Journey Program Stands Apart

Our specially trained dementia caregivers possess the knowledge and skills to provide for seniors navigating memory loss with whole-person care and compassion. Through personalized care plans, innovative memory care programming and a thoughtfully designed setting, residents feel at ease and comfortable – enhancing their quality of life. Our memory care neighborhood is tailored specifically for those living with memory loss, offering engaging activities in a soothing, supportive setting that encourages connection and comfort.

Our experienced, compassionate team takes the time to get to know each resident – creating personalized care plans that reflect their unique story, needs and preferences. We work closely with families to ensure their loved ones receive the highest level of care and attention, bringing peace of mind. The cornerstone of our community is Journey, our memory care program, which is exclusively designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It’s built on five key pillars created to help your loved one live a meaningful life with personalized support.

Journey Is Divided Into Five Pillars

Pillar 1: Living with Dignity

Dignity comes from having options – the ability to make choices. It is our goal to give each memory care resident as much say in their daily life as possible.

A resident with dementia deserves choices, but too many can be overwhelming. It is best to make suggestions one at a time or offer them the choice of only two options, like these dementia care tips, for example:

  • Dressing: Do you want to wear the blue shoes or the red shoes?
  • Dining: We have ice cream! Would you like chocolate chip or vanilla?
  • Programming: Would you like to sit by the window or by the sofa?

Pillar 2: Engage the Senses

The Journey program seeks to create a warm, safe and engaging environment where those with dementia can enjoy day-to-day life to the fullest.

We conduct programming that encompasses all five senses – touch, smell, hearing, sight and taste – to provide enjoyable experiences for people at any level of ability. For example, we may encourage having fun with food by going grocery shopping or baking together. Attending music therapy and performances are stimulating as well, along with gentle exercising and physical activities.

Pillar 3: Culinary Experiences

Those with memory loss may experience various challenges with eating and drinking. To inspire residents, our dining program offers meals and snacks that are nutritious, delicious and appealing. Three tasty meals are served daily in the dining room, plus snacks are available throughout the day. There is a wide variety of nutritiously enriched food, and special selections are provided for those with allergies or dietary needs. Our relaxed, friendly dining areas bring a sense of connection while our chef is actively involved with residents and offers regular cooking demos.

Pillar 4: Personalized & Holistic Care

Our approach is holistic, so we take into account each resident’s previous experience, skills, preferences and dislikes as well as the unique limitations they face every day. A personalized plan of care is developed based on that information and is specifically tailored to your loved one’s needs.

It’s by focusing on the individual, rather than just the illness, that we can truly interact and engage with each one of our residents in a meaningful way to provide emotional support.

Pillar 5: Team Approach

Studies show that using a team approach results in healthier residents and can relieve stress on families. Our professional team members work with physicians, residents’ health care providers, volunteers, community groups and family members for the needs of the whole person. Family members are important partners in creating the best life for our residents.

The Value of Our M.A.P.S. Philosophy

When someone has dementia, they have a brain that is not working properly. It is impaired and damaged, and it changes the way the person sees the world and impairs their ability to cope and change. We rely on M.A.P.S. to help us interact with empathy and integrity.

  • Meaningful: Constructing experiences and activities that have purpose and meaning is important. We help our residents continue to live a life that honors their choices and assists them to find joy in their days.
  • Active: While aging is inevitable, it’s our intent to help create an age-defying mentality among our residents and employees alike. We help seniors stay energized and fit, at a pace they are comfortable with and in a way that is unique to them. Staying active is something everyone should have the opportunity to do irrespective of their age and abilities.
  • Personalized: We choose to focus on the residents as individuals. Person-centered care considers the whole person, taking into account each individual’s unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs.
  • Safe: The best of both worlds is knowing you have the autonomy and freedom to live life on your terms with the help and care you need at your fingertips. Our memory care community and programs are designed to provide a secure, comfortable environment where our residents can continue to feel recognized and engage more in life.

Both Journey and M.A.P.S. distinguish our memory care community in Carson Valley as a leader in cognitive care for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We welcome your inquiries and the opportunity to schedule your personal tour.