A New Approach to Dementia Care

Within the next 5 years an estimated 937,000 Canadians will be living with Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia. Not only is it hard for the person living with this disease but it is also hard for their family and friends as they journey alongside. The inevitable time will come with the progression of this disease when a decision needs to be made about where to live. With that decision there are a number of questions that must be asked concerning security, care, emotional and physical health and programmes.

These are all questions that Cathy Chapin had when she was trying to make choices for her dad after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Together with her husband Ross they tried to find a peaceful place for her dad to live. This search was fruitless and in the end Cathy’s parents lived apart (he in a lockeddown facility) until he died. Cathy remembers “watching my parents go through this, together and then apart and searching for the care we thought dad needed-but couldn’t find. This experience told us that we needed to do better and so we decided to build it”.

The desire to create a place dedicated to the needs of those with dementia goes back nearly two decades. Ruth Constable (along with the help of her husband Jack and colleague Camille Taylor) opened the original Highview in 1996: “the care comes from a place of respect where people’s needs and safety are met throughout the day” says Ruth Constable.

Cathy and Ross came together with this team of dementia care specialists to combine 100-years of experience and build a new home specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Now, 15 years later the dedication to provide exceptional dementia care has resulted in the expansion into Kitchener-Waterloo.

Designed specifically for people with dementia, Highview Kitchener-Waterloo offers an unparalleled level of personal care. Residents live in one of three beautiful houses. Each house includes two cottages and in each cottage, 13 residents live in a comfortable and homelike setting.

“When people walk through the doors of Highview, there is a sense of calm. It is comfortable and welcoming,” says Joy Birch, Chief Operating Officer. “Everything here, from the design of the cottages to the compassion of our staff helps to create that feeling.”

Nestled on 7 acres of beautiful land, beside Grand River Conservation protected area, the first Highview house for Kitchener-Waterloo is well on its way to completing construction by October, 2017. Residents are provided with a safe, secure and peaceful place to live – where all of their needs are met each day. Each cottage has a lovely screened-in porch and large common areas inside where residents can gather – the design of which is just like anyone’s home, only a little bit bigger.

Another unique benefit is that the bedroom is private and has its own ensuite bathroom. Rooms are furnished with the resident’s belongings, allowing them to create their own space based upon their tastes, needs and favourite things. The entire residence is smokefree and couples can choose to share a room, if they wish to move-in together.

All residents have access to a private, secure outside garden, with a circular walking path, seating areas and a water feature.

The staff help residents navigate their day, with cueing and dementia-specific activities. “If someone does not want to have breakfast first thing in the morning” Britney Zwikirsch, Coordinator Food Services says, “they can have something later on. Breakfast is on-demand and whatever they like most.”

With nutrition in mind, delicious, home cooked meals are prepared each day. All meals are prepared in an open-concept kitchen, which helps with cueing through sights, sounds and smells. “The aroma of good food always lingers from our Kitchen and our residents eat together in our dining room”, says Zwikirsch, “it’s an experience that’s designed to feel warm and familiar - just like at home”.

Before a resident moves in, Highview staff meet with family to learn as much as possible about them: favourite meal, music, familiar art in their room – all of this is to have them feel comfortable and welcomed as soon as they arrive. “We take an extensive history of the person’s interests and hobbies,” says Chelsea Titus, Coordinator, Activation. “Normally, when people come here they are not able to do everything they once did, but if we know what interested them, we can create activities that are familiar to them and more likely to engage them.” By encouraging and supporting the individual needs of each resident they can experience a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

Family and friends are always welcome at Highview and encouraged to visit, enjoy a meal or a cup of tea. It is common to see family members sitting in the garden with their loved one or inside relaxing together in the sitting room or porch. “Everything we do is intentional and designed to provide exceptional care for someone with dementia”, says Birch.

“I am thrilled that there will be a topquality care option now available in our area, for people with dementia” says Michelle Martin, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society – Waterloo Wellington. “Highview offers personalized care designed for each individual’s needs and lifestyles, in an at-home setting”.

As much as Highview Residences is a nurturing home-like setting, security is always a priority. The buildings have been designed to keep residents safe, with staff present at all times, day and night and a secure cottage and gardens.

Since it opened in London more than fifteen years ago, Highview Residences has provided exceptional, loving care to many people. “With the opening of the Kitchener-Waterloo home, this tradition will continue and we look forward to serving the families, caregivers and residents alike when we open”, Birch concludes.