Alzheimer's Care Vancouver WA

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Services

Join Their Journey – the Emeritus memory care program – is a way of life at our community for one simple reason. It’s a compassionate program designed to help each resident have the best day possible. The premise of Join Their Journey is based on joining residents wherever they are in their lives, rather than forcing them into our reality. If a resident says, “I need to see the kids off the bus,” instead of reminding them that their children are grown, we would redirect the conversation, asking them to tell us about their family.

Join Their Journey also enables us to personalize our environment to each resident’s needs and interests. For example, we have several life stations set up around our buildings. When a resident is upset or agitated, we might direct them to the station most meaningful to them – a kitchen area, workbench, baby’s nursery, office area, music station or “Olivia’s Closet” – where they can gain a sense of purpose and enjoyment.

We are an extension of the resident’s family – caring for their loved one because they are unable to meet the challenges that come with devastating illnesses like Alzheimer’s. While our goal is make sure each resident receives all the care and love they deserve, we also strive to help our families cope with natural feelings of frustration, grief and guilt. Part of this comes from encouraging family members to choose how they want to experience the time they spend with their loved ones. For example, one of our family members plans a weekly date night with her husband, bringing him his favorite dessert.

Assisted Living Services

Prior to a resident moving into our community, one of our staff members – either a nurse or Resident Care Coordinator – will go to the resident’s home and conduct a courtesy assessment. A family member, friend or guardian is always present. Through this process, our staff determines what is currently being done for the resident, his or her level of abilities – their ability to dress and feed themselves, for example – their health status and other factors.

All of the information we gather from the assessment is entered into the Emeritus WeCare program, from which an individualized care plan is created, outlining the level of assisted living services that the resident requires. The care plan is extremely detailed and can include a variety of important information, such as special dietary restrictions, certain rituals and lifestyle habits – or anything else critical for our caregivers to know. Two weeks after the resident moves in, we review the care plan and make changes as necessary, then reevaluate every quarter unless there is a major change in the resident’s health condition.

As much as possible, we do everything we can to promote independence, while following the resident’s care plan. Many residents want to do whatever they can for themselves and simply require reminders and queuing, for example, we might verbally guide them through dressing. The goal is always to allow residents to have as much control over their own lives, while recognizing the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment.