Alzheimer’s Care and Memory Support Services in NJ

TAPESTRIES MEMORY CARE -Alzheimers and Dementia Care with a Focus on Quality of Life

Alzheimer’s, a brain disorder and the most common form of dementia, robs people of their intellectual abilities and daily functioning. Nationwide, the number of people with dementia is currently estimated at 5.7 million, and is projected to double every 20 years. A global aging population coupled with the fact that someone develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds, will have far-reaching effects in the 21^st century, bringing both challenges and opportunities. In response to the increasing need for memory care services, United Methodist Communities has established Tapestries Memory Care.

The Tapestries Memory Care Program & Philosophy

Unlike other dementia-specific programs, Tapestries focuses on people’s strengths, rather than emphasizing their frailties and medical complexities. Residents receive care on their own terms and their life patterns are respected. For example, they sleep when tired and wake when refreshed. They eat what they enjoy when they are hungry. They engage in things that make sense to them and self-direct “their” lives, not what others prescribe. The Tapestries environment meets their needs at every level.

Tapestries Dementia Care Training

Tapestries Dementia Care Training by United Methodist Communities is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association^® for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.

*The Alzheimer’s Association statement of recognition is not an endorsement of the professional training or evaluation of the care provided by the facility. The statement is valid for two years from the date of issue.

Click here to view our Alzheimer’s Association Certificate of Recognition.

Customized, Dementia Safe Environments

United Methodist Communities offers Tapestries Memory Care at all of its four full-service locations, Bristol Glen, Collingswood, Pitman and The Shores. All are positioned within Assisted Living neighborhoods and focus exclusively on “people experiencing difficulty with thinking.” Two prominent assistive technologies, a nurse call and wander management systems, enhance security and maximize safety.

Fully furnished and appointed, each Tapestries residence includes a fireplace, common open spaces, dining room, country kitchen, living room, large activity area, director’s office, consultation and meeting rooms and storage, complemented by one-bedroom apartments. These environments allow residents to experience what they feel is “normal” in their private space, but can also enjoy their daily pleasures and life engagement in the communal areas.

Tapestries is person-directed and complements our current residential and assisted living services. The caregiving focuses on individuals’ needs and life patterns. Tapestries, a social/comfort model rather than a medical model, centers on the care required to meet a broad spectrum of needs. It brings opportunities for residents to live in nurturing, homelike environments where they can have meaningful experiences every day.

Trained Memory Care Aides and Associates

Tapestries employs skilled, certified associates, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, specifically trained to care for those with various neurocognitive disorders and related dementias. Associates receive extensive and ongoing training as dementia care specialists; all are certified. Life Enrichment Team Specialists have flexible caregiver roles and build personal relationships to know each resident including their family members.

Associates become familiar with residents’ history, culture, routines and preferences; and anticipate resident needs when necessary. To foster and empower them toward that end, they receive consistent assignments. As multi-skilled individuals, emphasis is upon team cooperation and support.

Tapestries also creates and fosters an emphasis on residents’ mind, body, spiritual and other needs with direction and cues from the resident. Tasks are scheduled according to resident’s needs and comfort is prioritized. They participate in activities independently, one-to-one, and small groups or larger based on their preferences and needs.

Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease

The progressive nature of dementia can take a toll both emotionally and physically on families who may not be well equipped to deal with the increasing level of demands. Caregivers typically experience increased stress and decreased wellness, calling for self-care and often, considering all the available options for their loved ones.

Signs of Dementia-Related Illness

There are some common signs of dementia-related illness that can start out innocently enough, but may signal a need for caregivers to get involved as soon as possible. Common dementia-related memory loss can include:

Lack of interest in bathing, grooming, dressing
Inability to remember names or events
General memory problems
Unsure of season, month, day, or date
Forgets names and faces of people they’ve met
Adapts increasingly unusual sleeping patterns
Trouble finding words to describe things
Exhibits depression and fatigue
Leaves kitchen appliances on, such as the stove, oven; or leaves the refrigerator open
Has no or little of awareness of environment
Maintains an increasingly unclean living space