Arden Courts is the result of seven years research into the needs of those suffering from Alzheimer's dementia and their families. Focus groups consisting of those who had already placed their loved ones in an assisted living facility, people who were planning to do so, and industry experts met to design a facility that would specifically address the specials needs of Alzheimer's patients. We met recently with Marketing Director Christina Ice and Resident Services Coordinator Kathy Doberstyn, L.P.N., and listened as they described Arden Courts' Parma facility and the services they provide;
Arden Courts provides residential living combined with quality caregiving in a well planned, secure and simple environment to those with Alzheimer's dementia impairments. We provide our residents with the freedom to pursue their own interests and enjoy their surroundings with just the right amount of assistance and structure to help make the most of their capabilities. Most of all, we provide an environment that preserves the warmth, caring, comforts, and routines of living at home.
As families try to care for their loved ones at home, they frequently find the job becoming increasingly overwhelming with their loved one often spending the day sitting in front of the television. At Arden Courts, we utilize engagement therapy to ensure their loved one is constantly being invited to participate in many different activities designed both for their enjoyment and to keep them cognitively stimulated throughout the day. While we encourage each resident to be as independent as possible, we're always on hand to provide them with the assistance they need with their daily activities.
Arden Courts is more than just putting mom or dad someplace to spend their golden years. Although we don't provide skilled nursing services, we do provide more specialized care, such as helping them with their medications, choosing their clothing, dressing, bathing, and feeding. Each resident is assessed as an individual and receives a service plan based directly on their specific needs.
Our resident's rooms come complete with a bed, dresser, nightstand, and chair, but families are encouraged to decorate their loved one's rooms as they wish. This gives each room its own character and helps put the resident at ease. By having their own belongings, bedspread, special pillow, and photos, our residents feel that this is truly their home.
When someone comes to live with us, we're not just here for the new resident, we're also here to provide support and education for the entire family. We host a monthly program called H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endure) to bring families and community members together to discuss special topics related to coping with the challenges presented by Alzheimer's dementia, and to enable them to develop a support network of others in a similar situation.
One of the questions we hear most frequently is, "When is it an appropriate time to place a loved one in an assisted living facility?" We try to answer that question by providing education about Alzheimer's dementia, and stressing that their loved one's safety should be their main concern. When you see that your loved one is having difficulty making decisions, or when they're getting up in the middle of the night and you're not hearing them, then it's time to start looking.
Arden Courts was designed with your needs and those of your loved ones in mind. Call or stop by Arden Courts today, and don't forget to tell them The Advocate sent you!
