Magnolia Place

Philosophy Statement

The purpose of this statement is to inform our employees and families of our approach to memory care.

We understand that Alzheimer’s and related Dementias are a physical disease of the brain. We do not see resident behaviors; instead we see the symptoms of disease in their actions.
We believe it best to let the resident make as many choices as possible in the promotion of independence.
- We believe if a resident wants to dress themselves that this allows the resident to have a “success.” The resident dresses for the resident and not for the staff or family. If they have mismatched clothes, shoes and a funny hat then this is great if it makes them happy.

We believe the more we know about a resident’s past the better we are able to connect with them in their present. Families and employees are asked to provide relevant information from long term memories to assist in interventions if the resident is agitated. We ask that this information be recorded on signs on the inside of their room door.
- We believe that an agitated resident should be REDIRECTED with a distraction. We will work to have those distractions readily available. Families and staff together can record what works distracting each resident so that we all can share in that knowledge. When the resident is REDIRECTED then the staff or family should engage in REMINISCING with the resident by talking about old memories.

We believe some dementia and Alzheimer’s residents may gradually go back in time with their memory. The further the disease, the younger the resident believes their age. We believe it is in the best interest of the resident to not attempt to correct them but to enjoy their memories of that age.
- We believe that as a certain resident’s mind goes back in time they may no longer recognize their spouse or children at their current age. It is important to recognize that informing the resident of the identity of the grown child or older spouse will dishearten and frustrate the resident. It is better to ask the resident to talk about their children or spouse and share those pleasant memories.

Together we can harvest the positive memories and celebrate the moments that bring joy.

Longwood Plantation provides a copy to each family, actively encouraging them to leverage this valuable resource in their personal odyssey through memory care. “Meet Me Where I Am” imparts crucial insights and indispensable tools to compassionately, confidently, and, above all, effectively attend to the needs of individuals grappling with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s afflicts more than 5 million Americans presently, and an additional 15 million unpaid caregivers ardently seek information and support for their caregiving journey.

Structuring the Day Guideline

7:30 AM – Breakfast/Hydration
9:00 AM – Toileting
10:00 AM – Passing the Hor d’oeuvres and hydration
10:30 AM – Personal Care, Shaving, oral care, hair care
11:00 AM – Staff Activity – cognitive
11:30 AM – Staff Activity – sensory
12:00 PM – Lunch/hydration
1:00 PM – Toileting
2:00 PM – Naps for those who are sleepy or droopy
3:00 PM – Passing the Hor d’oeuvres Hydration
3:30 PM – Staff Activity – exercise
4:30 PM – Toileting
5:30 PM – Dinner/hydration
6:30 PM – Evening personal care
6:45 PM-7:15 PM – Shift change report and toileting