Alzheimer’s Care and Memory Support Services in NJ
TAPESTRIES MEMORY CARE
Global Trends
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 21st century, bringing both challenges and opportunities. In response to the increasing need for memory care services, United Methodist Communities has established Tapestries Memory Care.
Comfort Matters®
After a 13 month-long implementation process, Tapestries became Comfort Matters® accredited at The Shores in October 2018. Internationally recognized, Comfort Matters® is a philosophy, care practice and an evidence-based program which offers holistic and integrated approaches to improve the quality of care and quality of life for persons experiencing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It was developed on the basis of two decades of research on person-directed healthcare practices and on the latest science.
United Methodist Communities at The Shores Tapestries-Memory Care Neighborhood is now Comfort Matters® Certified!
The Shores is now one of the premier communities in the country accredited by Comfort Matters®. Unlike other dementia-specific programs, Tapestries focuses on people’s strengths rather than emphasizing their frailties and medical complexities. The staff provide care guided by Comfort Matters® five core principles: Comfort, Know the Person, Anticipation of Needs, Person-Directed Practice, and Staff Empowerment. The combination of these principles drives the overarching philosophy of Comfort.
What do Comfort Matters® principles look like on a practical level? People with dementia 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. Pain is managed appropriately. 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.
Staffing
The education of the Tapestries associates in Comfort Matters’® very specific, progressive process makes The Shores unique. 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.
They have flexible caregiver roles and build personal relationships to know each resident including their family members; become familiar with residents’ history, culture, routines and preferences; and anticipate resident needs when necessary. Associates receive consistent assignments to foster and empower them toward that end. As multi-skilled individuals, emphasis is upon team cooperation and support.
Customized Environments
Fully furnished and appointed, Tapestries 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, and can also enjoy their daily pleasures and life engagement in the communal areas.
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
Call us at 609-399-8505 to explore how we can meet your specific needs, schedule a personal tour of Tapestries, or obtain additional information.
