San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Technology, new treatments improve dementia care
Imagine you’re hearing that your husband or wife has died — only you’re hearing it for the first time six times a day. That’s dementia.
Dementiarelated illnesses — especially Alzheimer’s — can be a scary, confusing and crippling state of mind, and the wrong type of care can just add to the pain for everyone involved.
Yet care for dementia patients is evolving. Some savvy caregiving experts are employing some 21st century technology, including virtual reality, with some downhome comfort, and dementia care is getting better and safer for patients. And that translates into more comfort and ease — and less guilt — for families.
Of course, we all have to be ready for some kind of memory loss. Today, 6.2 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and there are about 50 million with the disease worldwide, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. That worldwide number is expected to increase to 152 million in 2050. That doesn’t even consider other forms of dementia, the umbrella disease in which Alzheimer’s is under.
Despite the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the new hotly debated Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, there is still the burning question: What can be done now to ease suffering?
There are three buzz phrases that newer treatments are looking at: triggers, treating the whole person and meeting patients where they’re at. Those phrases are being utilized by many new treatments at memory care facilities and caregiver services throughout the Bay Area.
For instance, Oakmont of Concord, like many others, is realizing the importance of socialization and physical activity. Their “Traditions” program helps residents structure their time so that every day is full of engaging activities and meaningful social connection with others. They encourage participation in physical and brain fitness activities to maintain memory and enhance cognition, such as chair yoga and dancing. Residents also enjoy music, movies, art and small group gatherings that stimulate conversation and memories.
For people with advanced memory loss, the Traditions program provides an environment with specialized activities based on music, sensory and tactile stimulation. Specially trained team members engage residents with the extra care
Above: The Frank Residences on the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living is on the cutting edge of facilitybased memory care and offers a patio for residents to socialize. Below: The Frank Residences also focuses on wellness with a fitness center and an indoor pool.
»
“Through these VR experiences, caregivers learn how to best care for a dementia patient, what their triggers could be and how to redirect — all without the chance of actually hurting a client.” Vincent Amazona, consultant with Upeka BeeGusto Engineering
and patience they may need.
At the cutting edge of facilitybased memory care is Frank Residences on the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living. Its stateoftheart unit boasts “neighborhoods,” where secure neighborhoodlike environments offer suites, community spaces and programs designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss.
“We get to know the whole
Steve Weimer
VP Retail Advertising 4157777257 sweimer@sfchronicle.com family, so we can include them in our care,” said Staci Chang, the residence’s chief marketing and business strategy officer. “Plus, half of three of our floors are dedicated to memory care. We also like to put people with similar interests together in our ‘neighborhoods.”
Find retirement advice, tax tips and updated health news with our online Senior Living section at www.SFGATE.com/seniorliving
1. Open your smart phone camera.
2. Point it at the QR code to the right.
3. Click the link that appears to automatically open this site.
Maggie Creamer
Editor mcreamer@sfchronicle.com
Cover photo of Winemaster Randy Ullom by KendallJackson | Story on page
Still, Chang said the most important thing is getting to know the whole person and meeting them where they’re at.
“We want to find out their