At both facilities, we use our social model approach that is based on positives: focusing on wellness, enhancing the environment to assist each patient to improve and to prevent declines in function. This ultimately provides our patients with a higher quality of life, dignity and self-esteem.

Staff members provide individualized attention to meet patient needs through one-on-one interactions. This can range from a simple hug or pat on the hand, or soaking feet in warm water followed by a foot massage. In the social model, the medical aspects of patient care are still provided with the same degree of excellence, but now care includes a social and fun aspect.

Care is provided with compassion and concern for the dignity and self-esteem of the individual. Instead of immediately giving medications for behavioral problems, calming interventions are tried, i.e., massaging hands with soothing lotion, playing calming music or redirecting the patient to other activities or conversation. A gentle “best friends” approach is used. By using the social model, we have been able to decrease medications, improve patient functioning and quality of life, and redirect the frustrations so often evident with Alzheimer’s disease. The success of our social model has surpassed our expectations.

Restorative nursing supports individualized ambulation, range of motion and programs for strengthening. This leads to better mobility and an increased oversight with eating problems, which helps to keep our patients functioning at their highest possible level, on a daily basis, and provides dignity and quality of life.

Food can change a mood, evoke a smile and inspire the uninspired. The pleasure of eating a meal can have a positive effect on anyone. Our enhanced dining experience increases satisfaction. Patients eat their meals in a pleasant, homelike atmosphere with music playing in the background. Hospitality Aides (waitresses and waiters), many of whom are local high school students, assist with meals and ensure that patients receive personal one-to-one attention. Certified Nurse Aides focus on assisting patients to eat safely and ensure optimal nutrition and hydration. This program continues to be a great success and has made many patients smile.

This intergenerational approach of mingling high school students with our patients has proven to be a wonderful addition. The students learn and share and our patients really enjoy the presence and enthusiasm of the younger generation.

Our activities programs provide an alternative to loneliness. Emphasis is placed on the patient’s social part of their day where stimulation and wellness can be the focal point. The following examples of activities are provided in group and one-to-one settings: live entertainment, dancing, singing, senior prom, bus trips, picnic and luncheon outings, exercise classes, holiday and costume parties, social talk times to discuss and learn about current events and news stories, children’s visits, pet therapy, arts and crafts, special dining experiences such as Hawaiian Luau, Italian Cuisine, etc.

Our Family & Resident Comfort Room is designed to provide the best possible experience for patients and families in the patient’s last hours of life. Dedicated staff members offer one-to-one tranquil loving care such as additional bathing, massage, music, reading, aromatherapy, etc. The patient is comforted by tender touch and can enjoy the feeling of being in loving hands and not being alone. Families are provided with the peace of mind knowing that their loved one is receiving loving care.

Environment has an impact on our patients. This is especially true when a patient is at the end of their life. At that time, it is appropriate to decrease stimulation, allow quiet, and to provide more intimate surroundings for the patient and their loved ones. Our Family & Resident Comfort Room offers a peaceful and quiet place that allows for close one-to-one attention and privacy where grieving and goodbyes can occur on a more intimate level.