Why Didn’t I Think of That?
So much of what LeadingAge New
York is all about involves bringing
people together and sharing ideas.
In the early morning session Best
Practices in Assisted Living
Diane Darbyshire facilitated
conversations among attendees
about ways to be the difference
and make lives better for residents
across the state. These are just some
of the highlights.
There is a growing trend in senior
living, particularly memory care, to
make the family feel welcome and
provide a way for them to reconnect
with their loved one. At a time
when the resident doesn’t need or
want for anything, spending time
with family and friends is a great
gift. Families can sponsor a party for
their loved one’s birthday complete
with music, entertainment and
cake allowing them to celebrate with their
friends. It honors the resident and provides
entertainment for other residents.
Activity Director titles are shifting to
“Life Coach,” opening up a conversation
about “What are your hopes and dreams?”
Through discussions about life experiences
and goals, staff encourage residents to
use their own skills whether music, art or
entertainment to share and enrich the lives
of everyone at the facility.
Independent Living residents enjoy
volunteering with the memory care
residents and through training they can
learn how to redirect and engage them in
meaningful activities. If you are trying to
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figure out where these training funds can
come from, the State Centers for Excellence
and the Alzheimer’s Center has received
funding to assist with this level of training.
Reminiscent therapy is proving especially
effective with memory care patients who
exhibit many of the classic behaviors that
can come with the loss of memory. Francis
Commons at St. Luke has a unique program
which gives comfort and familiarity to
residents, family and staff alike. (See story on
opposite page 32.)
Excellent customer service is another hot
trend in Assisted Living. Hire the personality
and then teach the skills. When you hire
employees who have compassion and
understanding, you more closely represent
the hospitality industry, where they reach out
and go above and beyond to make everyone
feel comfortable. A perfect example of this
level of service could be to call and notify the
family when there is a change in medication
or the doctor has seen the resident. In
general, it opens the lines of communication
and the more you call, the shorter the calls
get because the family has trust in your care.
Many more stories and tips were shared with
attendees who exchanged contact information
after the session. Remember, you don’t have
to think of everything – you just have to share
ideas and in doing so, you too can come closer
to thinking of everything.
Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Summer 2016