Peace of mind can be hard to come by when family members or other loved ones are living with dementia or issues related to memory. However, when they can live safely in a home that combines professional and compassionate care, that can be a huge burden lifted. CHCC works hard to provide just such a place for all who need it.
Protecting dementia patients in a long-term care setting requires a blend of provider experience and proven tactics that maintain dignity while ensuring safety. With resident well-being top of mind, CHCC has a robust plan in place to ensure the safety of all who live here. Here’s how our caregivers deliver top-notch dementia care in a long-term care setting:
A building designed for freedom of movement.
People living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia often are prone to wander or to forget where they are, and the building must be designed to accommodate that. CHCC is laid out in a way that allows freedom of movement and mobility while maintaining safety.
The reception desk and nurses’ stations are intentionally positioned for increased visibility. Wide interior corridors provide plenty of room for residents who like to move about the building, and fully enclosed courtyards offer walking paths, seating areas and landscaped gardens.
Staff are trained to recognize wandering and to gently redirect the resident.
All staff are trained to observe residents as they move around the building. In addition, staff — including nurses, nursing assistants and team members in administration, dietary, environmental services, social services and other areas — participate in regular safety drills and dementia care training, focusing on compassion and gentle redirection.
Finding the right home for a person living with memory loss.
Prior to admission, potential dementia care residents are assessed to ensure that CHCC can provide them with an appropriate level of care. In some cases, a referral will be made to another local care center that offers a different level of care.
If admitted to CHCC, residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia might live in rooms that are farther away from exterior doors. Those with a tendency to wander also might live in a room that is closer to a nurses’ station for advanced monitoring purposes.
Since its founding in 1956, Christian Health Care Center has placed a priority on caring for vulnerable older adults, including people living with memory or dementia challenges. Our decades of experience, combined with a well-designed building and robust training, are reasons why CHCC continues to be a trusted eldercare provider in Whatcom County.
[ Editor’s note: This article was updated June 20, 2024, to better reflect current programs. ]