Memory Support : One Community ’ s Journey to Innovative Care
The future of memory support services is here . Studies have outlined the benefits , and forward-thinking providers are integrating novel approaches into residents ’ everyday lives . A variety of factors impact the decision to move forward with offering such services – space , training and costs to name a few – and the planning and implementation of these programs does not happen overnight . The one driving factor where all long-term providers agree : A better world is available for those living with dementia .
That was the motivation for Peconic Landing , a Continuing Care Retirement Community on the East End of Long Island . The community recently opened a state-of-the-art memory support neighborhood known as Harbor South . Now , more than eight months after welcoming its first “ neighbor ,” the community has some encouraging results to share , and a poignant story of its journey to this point . It ’ s an effort that started nearly eight years ago .
A Growing Need
“ Ultimately , we knew we could do better for the people we serve ,” said Gregory J . Garrett , Peconic Landing ’ s executive vice president and administrator of health services . “ The number of individuals living with dementia is growing exponentially , and there was a need that we didn ’ t believe was being met the way it should be .”
During this time , the community was providing dementia care services in its long-term skilled nursing center , a standard for much of the industry during this period .
“ We provided specialized training and brought in outside consultants to train our team on dementia care ,” Garrett said . “ But it ’ s difficult to maintain that momentum with a team that is caring for a diverse senior population .”
By providing all levels of care within its health center , Garrett said there was a clear segment of residents living with dementia – those who had surpassed early onset but hadn ’ t progressed to the advanced stages – which was in need of another setting .
This challenge , he said , made it clear the organization must look to alternative care options to better provide for these members .
Peconic Landing President and CEO , Robert J . Syron , said community leadership began researching and visiting care centers throughout the country known to be providing innovative types of care .
( Continued )
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