Memory Care Residences

“Touchmark at Harwood Groves gave us the information and guidance we needed to make a loving decision.”

A caring world for people with memory loss

In Touchmark communities that are appropriately designed and licensed to provide a living environment for individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementing illnesses, the memory support programs are called “Devonshire.”

... The physical environment in the Devonshire memory support program is specifically designed to provide appropriate levels of stimulation and support in an area that is secured for exit and entry to residents. Guided choices are encouraged through person—centered programming provided by especially trained staff, who work with the residents throughout the day, evening, and night.

Description of Touchmark Devonshire Program

Living styles and features

Most Devonshire residences offer several choices. They range from more than 260 sq. ft. to over 420 sq. ft. Many features help ensure your loved one a respectful, enriched life:

• Personalized daily programs
• Life Story Project
• Life Enrichment team
• Ongoing person-centered care training for all staff
• Key-pad entry for peace of mind
• 24-hour care monitoring
• Weekly housekeeping
• Nutritious and tasty meals and snacks
• Emergency call system
• All utilities (except personal telephone)
• Weekly changing of linens
• Supervised weekly outings and bus excursions
• Outings to events within the broader Touchmark community

Personal care and health services

Licensed nurses provide an in-depth initial assessment to determine residents’ negotiated service plans based on their needs. Recurring assessments and scheduled care conferences keep the service plan current and specific to the changing needs of each resident. This thorough review process ensures that a resident is charged only for the services provided.

Growing Together Gardens™ grow enjoyment

All Touchmark communities offering memory care include a program component titled “Growing Together,” which is the portion of the Life Enrichment/Wellness program that emphasizes the importance of individuals having ongoing contact with living things—both plants and animals.

One of the many aspects of “Growing Together” is the gardening program and courtyard design for most Touchmark memory care neighborhoods. These thoughtfully designed gardens and courtyards include the following features:

• No toxic plants. The seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and blossoms of all plants must be nontoxic to humans, pets, and birds.
• Accessible gardening spaces. Residents who use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes need to be able to access the garden. Touchmark uses raised garden beds and makes sure there is pavement/cement on the excursion path so no one gets “stuck” in the grass or bark dust.
• Seasonal plantings that provide year—round color.
• Edible plants. Residents grow herbs and vegetables, which are used in the cooking program.
• Flowers and other plants that attract butterflies and songbirds. Bird feeders and the correct kind of birdseed are used to attract songbirds rather than pest birds.
• Careful landscaping. Sidewalks and excursion paths are at the same level as the grass and bark dust to minimize the risk of anyone falling off the sidewalk.
• Alzheimer’s—friendly lighting. Outdoor lighting is at least five feet in the air to avoid tripping and falling over fixtures.
• Recessed sprinklers. Keeping these below the surface also avoids trips and falls.
• Shade. Trees, awnings, and/or other coverings are important for the warm summer months.
• 24—hour access. The importance of being outdoors most days is very well documented in the research. Some states include regulations that require residents have access to a courtyard. In general, Touchmark courtyards extend the walls of the building and offer a pleasant, secure outdoor environment.

For additional details, please contact us today.

 

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