Residents living with dementia find customised support in purpose-built memory care centre
Living in Levin’s purpose-built memory care centre doesn’t mean giving up your hobbies or routines.
Summerset’s Care Centre Manager, Monique Hayes, says the centre’s caregivers focus on preserving residents’ sense of freedom, even though they have dementia.
“For us it’s about the person, not the disease. We see the person for who they are, and we let residents do what they love while accommodating their individual needs.”
Monique says the word ‘dementia’ is not used within the spacious and calm facility, and residents are supported to maintain as much of their independence as possible.
“We maintain their dignity and respect. We don’t do everything for them – if a resident can dress themselves, we encourage them to do so.”
Before any resident moves into the boutique style rooms in the memory care centre, Monique says qualified staff correspond with family to understand any likes, dislikes, and behavioural patterns. “At Summerset, our culture is residentfocused. We find out what residents did as a job, whether they had pets, what their past and current hobbies are,” says Monique.
“We try to understand their routines. If they always have a milo before bed, or read the newspaper with lunch, we want to continue with their routine. This ensures we can step straight into the shoes of the loved ones who have been caring for them with as little disruption as possible.”
Monique believes it is vital the facility feels like a home, not a hostel.
She explains caregivers are aware of and avoid conversations, memories, or actions that will trigger any anxious or upsetting behaviour. A monthly activities programme is customised to provide residents with immersive opportunities to do what they love.
“We give them opportunities to continue to do activities they enjoy – it is all about the resident. There are no boundaries, and we tweak the environment to suit their behaviours,” Monique says.
“If someone loves gardening, we involve them with any gardening work we do at the centre. If they love shopping, we take them. We know each resident on a personal level and we make sure we do what they like doing.”
The memory care centre’s caregivers are trained to support residents with dementia traits up to level four. The centre’s Clinical Nurse Leader, Carmela, is a registered nurse with experience in psychogeriatric services.
Monique says Careerforce training is also planned for caregivers’ ongoing professional development.
A key feature in promoting healthy behaviour is that staff are insistent on not using medication to control residents, Monique explains. Instead, care is customised to each individual and their biorhythms.
“If a resident wakes up in the night and wants a yoghurt from the fridge, they can come and get one and a caregiver will be present to help if needed.”
“Although food is prepared in the main kitchen, it is presented in an open-plan shared kitchen so that residents feel involved in the making of their meals,” says Monique.
“The open plan kitchen, dining and living area allows residents to have space and a feeling of normality.
“Residents can go wherever they like – secure outdoor areas, the living space, one of the sitting rooms, or their own apartment. Caregivers are present in the centre at all hours of the day and night, ready to help when necessary,” Monique says.
The memory care centre’s caregivers are dressed the same as those in the village’s care centre to eliminate any confusion. Residents can see the uniform and immediately know, ‘this is a go-to person’.
“We want to provide a sense of normality. Residents shouldn’t feel like they’re in a lock-up, or be reminded they’re dementia patients. They’re people.”
For further information about Summerset Memory Care Suites or to arrange a visit, contact Monique Hayes or Joanne Welch on 06 367 0337 or email levin@summerset.co.nz