What is Personalized Care?
Personalized Care in Senior Living
Delivering personalized care in the context of senior living means first identifying what is most important to an individual and family, and then incorporating those priorities into a tailored plan of care.
What is a “plan of care”?
When prospective residents have a health event or health concerns, the team pays close attention to understanding their medical, psychological, and social histories to uncover any unique needs which will allow them to thrive. These distinctions are given special consideration starting with the transition to living in an assisted living or memory care community. This attentiveness continues in order to promote wellness and optimal care coordination.
Personalized Care and Dementia
According to the National Center for Assisted Living, practically half of all adults in assisted living in Tennessee have a form of dementia. When dementia is this prevalent amongst residents, communities and their living spaces should be designed or adjusted to help affected residents succeed in all aspects of daily life. This involves understanding the detailed planning involved in:
Establishing a comfortable and comforting setting
Advocating for preferred hobbies and activities
Protecting important routines
Providing access to medical care and treatment
Honoring advance directives
Learning best practices regarding care approaches
People living with dementia have strengths and positive attributes that deserve highlighting. Also crucial to their quality of life is when the agency they do have is respected and choice is offered. Wherever possible, they should have a say in the way their care is planned and delivered - this right is foundational to personalized care.
How RMSC Personalizes Care
Remember Me Senior Care, located in Cleveland, Tennessee, recognizes the special characteristics that each member of our community brings to the table. Because the founders have cared for a loved one with dementia, they have shared experience with each family they meet who is affected by the disease. There are three defining aspects of how RMSC shows its commitment to personalized care that are worth exploring further.
Aspect One: Neighborhood Living
The truly original community design at RMSC is reminiscent of a genuine neighborhood. Residents and families can interact as they would in a community setting thanks to sidewalks, good lighting, green spaces, courtyards, and pavilions. Each of the houses are attractive farmhouses organized within a familiar neighborhood cove-like layout. Each house has a welcoming front porch with rocking chairs and seasonal landscape. Residents respond positively to the neighborhood feel of the community.
Safety and the idea of “being at home” were central to the design plan and are appreciated by all who visit.
Aspect Two: Care by Design
RMSC knows that having the best care for those living with dementia demands having memory care expertise at the forefront of operations and programming. RMSC team members are committed to minimizing stress for residents and families, especially in the early days of moving to the community. This is accomplished by anticipating the social challenges and pressure points associated with the transition.
As an example, crowded and loud social settings can elicit anxiety and contribute to behavioral changes in those with dementia. Regardless of their condition, new residents can be overwhelmed by too much “newness.” Each farmhouse has private rooms and bathrooms where caregivers can introduce themselves individually and offer individual assistance. Seating areas are kept home-like and intimate on purpose to allow for more personal interactions. Explore RSMC’s gallery and take a virtual tour today!
Aspect Three: Attention to Detail
RMSC knows people have lived full lives before joining a senior living community. They also understand that who people are and what is meaningful to them is complex and takes time to fully know. That is why the intake process involves interviews and assessments meant to orient RSMC to an individual’s personal story and preferences. Family and friends are often invaluable in this step of the process.
RMSC is committed to having professionally trained team members available to not only meet residents’ needs but exceed their expectations for care. Staffing ratios are set to ensure ample time is given to assisting each person based on their individual identified preferences.
As far as food and socialization, this too has been thought out in advance. Meals are enjoyed with the kitchen in view, allowing for observation and participation in preparation if desired. Meal times are often an opportunity for meaningful socialization and conviviality. Having six people at a table offers cozy dining that reduces distraction.
Intentional spacing allows team members the room to assist residents when needed.
Summary
Personalized care is a commitment to learning and honoring an individual’s distinct care needs. Their response to their environment is a key component in this pursuit. When a loved one needs extra assistance, the surroundings of a senior living community should be dedicated to minimizing stress and ensuring safety. Getting to know each resident and what makes each day successful for them is a vital tool in care coordination.
Remember Me Senior Care has planned its beautiful neighborhood and interior spaces with all this in mind. Contact RSMC today and let them show you why they are the assisted living and memory care community of choice in Southeast Tennessee.