Design changes for Memory Care
As memory care providers compete to meet the needs of a growing
segment of Americans with dementia, many are turning to innovative
solutions that revolve around engaging the senses. We need to move from the days of a locked ward and move to design and technology.
By 2050 the number of those 65 and older in the United States is expected to almost double, and those 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, may nearly triple, from 5 million to as many as 16 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
With the growing number of those who will need memory care services, operators are implementing unique ways to serve residents and compete among industry peers.
Snoezelen Rooms: a multi-sensory room that has alllows memory resident the ability to control their own therapy with lights, sounds, textures and aromas stimulate a variety of senses, promoting both relaxation and a sense of contro.. It has been shown to reduce move outs by 27%. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias found that non-pharmacological interventions, such as multisensory stimulation environments, have demonstrated the ability to reduce inappropriate behavior among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Sensory Neighborhoods: contrary to Snoezelen therapy, the multi- sensory room in the highest acuity neighborhood is meant to get residents awake and engaged, rather than enhance relaxation.
Keeping Couples Together: the concept enables couples to continue to live together, even when one needs memory-related care. The couple can be independent inside their units, but have the larger environment to provide support and care when they ask for it.
Grind Dining: food that can be enjoyed without the help of a fork, knife or in some cases, teeth.
For a proportion of the aging population who suffers from memory impairment or lack of cognitive function, eating without common utensils is a daily challenge. Gone are the days when highly processed or soft foods were the only options. Research from the University of Alabama and Harvard University that found cooked and ground proteins were 24% more digestible than just cooked or raw proteins.They began adding carbohydrates and vegetables for complete meals that were nutritionally complete and didn’t require eating with a fork, knife or spoon or require chewing in order to consume. The anthropologists and scientists used Burmese Pythons for their research due to the fact that the pythons don’t have teeth.
My masters research project supports these concepts. I have designed two facilities that incorporate these design concepts. Contact Ageless Designs to facilitate these changes in your facilities.
By 2050 the number of those 65 and older in the United States is expected to almost double, and those 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, may nearly triple, from 5 million to as many as 16 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
With the growing number of those who will need memory care services, operators are implementing unique ways to serve residents and compete among industry peers.
Snoezelen Rooms: a multi-sensory room that has alllows memory resident the ability to control their own therapy with lights, sounds, textures and aromas stimulate a variety of senses, promoting both relaxation and a sense of contro.. It has been shown to reduce move outs by 27%. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias found that non-pharmacological interventions, such as multisensory stimulation environments, have demonstrated the ability to reduce inappropriate behavior among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Sensory Neighborhoods: contrary to Snoezelen therapy, the multi- sensory room in the highest acuity neighborhood is meant to get residents awake and engaged, rather than enhance relaxation.
Keeping Couples Together: the concept enables couples to continue to live together, even when one needs memory-related care. The couple can be independent inside their units, but have the larger environment to provide support and care when they ask for it.
Grind Dining: food that can be enjoyed without the help of a fork, knife or in some cases, teeth.
For a proportion of the aging population who suffers from memory impairment or lack of cognitive function, eating without common utensils is a daily challenge. Gone are the days when highly processed or soft foods were the only options. Research from the University of Alabama and Harvard University that found cooked and ground proteins were 24% more digestible than just cooked or raw proteins.They began adding carbohydrates and vegetables for complete meals that were nutritionally complete and didn’t require eating with a fork, knife or spoon or require chewing in order to consume. The anthropologists and scientists used Burmese Pythons for their research due to the fact that the pythons don’t have teeth.
My masters research project supports these concepts. I have designed two facilities that incorporate these design concepts. Contact Ageless Designs to facilitate these changes in your facilities.
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