Memory support FAQs

​How is Melody Living’s memory support neighborhood and wellness program different than other communities?
Here at Melody Living we practice a person-centered care approach. This means that our team focuses on the person before the task. In order for us to do this, we involve the entire team resident, family, friends, and staff. We learn about the person to include their daily routines; past and present. We believe when the resident is in control of the care they receive, they tend to have fewer unmet needs.
 
What training has staff received in memory support neighborhood?
All care partners at Melody living have eight hours of Rhythm Dementia Training. Rhythm Dementia Training teaches the staff to see the individual and not the disease. Staff assigned to Memory Support have training in CARES Dementia. CARES Dementia is an approach to care developed by the Alzheimer’s Associate. I am a CARES Dementia Specialist with in depth training on all aspects of dementia care. For residents whom have dementia bathing can be very traumatic. Our staff utilize techniques from Bathing without a Battle to make bathing a more pleasant experience.

Above: Residents enjoy playing scrabble on our large scrabble wall.

​What elements of the memory support program encourage a Life in Harmony for residents?
All aspects of our care revolve around creating harmony within the person’s life. We are here to support our resident in this next stage of life.
 
What activities and services are available for memory support residents?
Julie Jones, our Community Life Director, has developed a very inclusive program that involves the whole community. Individuals in memory support will not be restricted to activities that are just in their neighborhood. We will do what is needed to support them in activities that are outside of the neighborhood as they desire. Memory Support has a full working kitchen which will allow the residents to cook with the assistance of staff.

We also have a computer and program called It’s Never Too Late (IN2L). This touch screen computer and program are an amazing way to add media into the lives of our residents. Families are able to send their loved one’s photos, texts and videos through IN2L. And each resident will have a profile set up with media that helps them connect with the world. An example that IN2L uses is a gentleman whom would wake up at 3am every morning and become distressed. He was a farmer his whole life and used to getting up at 3am and tending to his animals. IN2L created a farming video for him that staff would play for him every morning that met his emotional need to be connected with farming. He no longer became distressed in the morning and his mood improved throughout the day.
To learn more about our memory support community, call 719.960.4005 or send us a message