New memory living space at City View Retirement Community allows residents to live their memories in a purposeful way
City View Retirement community is now truly a community for all. With the opening of its new Memory Living Unit, residents with memory issues have the opportunity to live with purpose and be surrounded by the things that bring joy to their lives. Bright, strategically chosen colours and murals decorate the walls, doors are masked by images of bookcases or other furniture, and there are objects reminiscent of times in their past such as flower gardens and rotary dial phones. Residents have the opportunity to choose activities they are familiar with and be supported by staff that know their likes, dislikes and needs.
“City View is home to many people, and we are their family when their family cannot be there,” says Cathleen Cogan Bird, executive director. “It is our goal to ensure that every resident, regardless of their capacity, is living life to the fullest. Memory living is cutting-edge in that not only is safety and security a priority, it also ensures people who are living in their memories are doing so in a purposeful way.”
City View’s unit is modelled after the innovative memory living approach that is increasingly gaining popularity in Canada and abroad. In addition to an environment full of objects and decor that may jog or appeal to residents’ memories or past careers, the unit also takes a uniquely personal approach to care.
Prior to a resident entering the unit, the unit’s resident care specialist will interview his or her family and spend time with each resident to build a detailed profile and holistic care plan that will assist in planning the most effective environment. Included in the profile will be an assessment of the resident’s lifestyle, any current limitations, medical history and more. Programming will then be geared to offering activities that people may have enjoyed in the past. Each resident is surrounded by opportunities for them to choose to participate in things put in place uniquely for them, as well as the groups they are part of.
“The activities that can take place are limitless,” says Cogan Bird. “The goal is not only to have an environment where residents can self-direct the activities they do in a safe and supportive way but also to bring their memories to life and relevance today. We spend our whole adult lives makes choices on what we want to do and having independence; our Memory Living Unit gives back this independence to residents in a safe way.”
Debbie Pauze is City View’s director of care. Her job involves looking after the health care needs of residents, managing the nurses and care aides, and educating and counselling families in regards to care needs. The Memory Living Unit would not have been possible without the passion she brings to the project.
“This is really the type of unit I have always wanted to put together,” she says. “A lot of training, reading and research have gone into ensuring we get the details right and that the people who live and use the unit will have everything they need.”
“This was not just about ensuring that doors are locked and saying, ‘We have a memory care unit,’” adds Cogan Bird. “It has been about 10 months of planning. We want families to rest assured that their family members are getting the best care and feel a sense of purpose again.”
Staff training also plays an essential role in ensuring that the Memory Living Unit is effective. This is why all City View staff members, whether or not they directly work in the unit, are undergoing specialized dementia training. Activity staff, in particular, are receiving what Pauze calls “profound training.”
Carol LaFreniere’s mom, Mona Harrington, is a resident at City View. While she doesn’t reside in the Memory Living Unit, LaFreniere says City View’s staff is well equipped to handle the needs of all residents.
“Since it is a fairly small residence, the staff gets a chance to know all the residents well,” she says. “The warm and friendly atmosphere is evident as soon as you enter the lobby.”
The Memory Living Unit at City View Retirement Community will most benefit those who have moderate to extensive dementia and Alzheimer’s and need daily support. It is also an ideal choice for those who would like to start out as independent residents and then age in place and not move to another home as their memory declines.
Residents began joining City View’s Memory Living Unit earlier this month, and it will have its grand opening in November.
To learn more, contact Kelly Dejong, director of sales and marketing, who will ensure you find the perfect retirement package. For more information, email kdejong@cityviewretirement.com or view www.cityviewretirement.com.
THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF CITY VIEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY.