Memory care apartments open at Belmont Village
Over the past decade, books, newspaper articles and movies have focused on Alzheimer’s disease and late stage memory loss through the personal journeys of those whose lives have been forever altered.
Often these portrayals are overshadowed by the discussion of loss, rather than talking about how to live with the disease. Senior living communities who work closely with late-stage memory loss are finding that if they tailor programs and activities based on individual abilities and offer interaction in small groups, then participants connect on a level in which they can experience happiness and a sense of belonging.
“We design our activities and programs with the belief that every person has something to contribute,” said Beverly Sanborn, LCSW, vice president of program development for Belmont Village Senior Living. “No matter the level of brain function, we firmly believe that everyone has value and can enjoy happiness.”
Belmont Village Senior Living is taking a leadership position in this philosophy by using University-led research to generate therapeutic programs and a whole brain fitness lifestyle that engages people at all cognitive levels. Professionally trained memory coordinators and activity assistants work with residents on a personalized level to create a “just right” cognitive challenge that helps foster a sense of purpose and well-being.
“This not only helps our residents with daily living but also helps their families better accept the changes in their loved one,” Sanborn said. “One of our resident’s daughters recently told us about how she had dreaded her mother’s transition to our Memory Care Neighborhood. But, as her mom’s dementia progressed, she had no choice but to make the move. She was surprised to find that her mom’s life actually got better because she had more support and a space that was easier to navigate. In a way, she regained some of her independence.”
The smaller, self-contained Memory Care Neighborhood looks just like the larger Belmont Village community, but it’s more manageable for residents with late stage cognitive issues.
“Our resident still enjoys dining with friends, spending time outside and participating in enriching activities like music therapy and exercise classes,” Sanborn said. “The difference is that the programs are tailored to fit her current needs and have been adapted to her strengths and abilities, so that she can continue to be successful, in her way.”
For those experiencing early stages of memory loss with mild to moderate memory care needs, Belmont Village has a program called Circle of Friends. It was launched in 2005 as the perfect solution for residents who don’t need the Memory Care Neighborhood, but do need a higher level of cognitive support than is typical.
Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) include short-term memory loss, an inability to focus, social discomfort, and at times, a loss of sense of place. These symptoms are beyond what’s seen in normal aging, but less severe than Alzheimer’s disease.
Residents reside in their own Assisted Living apartments and participate in a 7-day- a-week, researchbased group with activities led by a dedicated, specially trained staff. Benefits include ongoing evaluation and support, social interaction, and activities designed to improve function and boost confidence.
In 2011, Belmont Village received a George Mason University Healthcare Quality Improvement Award for Circle of Friends and awarded the Argentum 2016 Best of the Best in Memory Care.