Holistic memory care
Cognitive changes are part of the aging process for many older adults. A 2022 study by Columbia University researchers found that “10 percent of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have dementia, while another 22 percent have mild cognitive impairment.” Rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment rise to 35 percent for people age 90 and older.
As the numbers point out, cognitive impairment of some kind is increasingly common as people age. For life plan communities, therefore, providing top quality memory care is imperative.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care designed to meet the unique needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of progressive degenerative cognitive impairment. It involves providing a secure and supportive environment with staff who are knowledgeable about the challenges associated with memory loss. The goal of memory care is to enhance the quality of life for individuals who have trouble thinking while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Comfort Matters®
Bluestem Communities’ life plan campuses of Kidron Bethel Village and Schowalter Villa provide top-quality care with specialized memory care. Both locations are accredited by Comfort Matters®, an evidence-based philosophy and care practice that provides a holistic and integrated approach to improve quality of care and life for people with dementia.
Comfort Matters® is built on a foundation of five simple but powerful concepts for caring for people who live with dementia:
- Comfort care
- Anticipation of needs
- Know the person
- Person-directed practice
- Staff and family empowerment
With Comfort Matters®, people with dementia continue to be viewed as experts on their personal comfort despite the cognitive challenges they face. By embedding comfort in both the personal approach and the organizational systems, everyone has the tools to do for the person with dementia what the person would do for themselves if they could.
While each location approaches the application of Comfort Matters® a little differently, residents living with dementia at Kidron Bethel Village and Schowalter Villa are comfortable and thriving.