Making Meaningful Connections With The Connection Points Memory Care Approach

Connect to a more personal, passionate and human approach to memory care.

Everything about our Connection Points Memory Care approach is incredibly personal — down to how it was developed. Our Aging and Dementia Services Team used decades of firsthand experience to perfect an approach that meets residents where they’re at on their dementia journey. All to give residents, team members and families the best possible experience, one connection point at a time.

Improving memory care from the top down.

Our difference starts with having a dedicated Memory Care Director. Their job is 100% focused on ensuring everything from the big picture to the smallest detail helps the resident experience live up to our highest standards from day one.

Creating a more engaged and intentional resident experience.

We’re elevating the memory care experience where it matters most. From science-backed methods that encourage residents to eat more, to interactive ways for residents and families to feel more connected from the moment residents move in.

What Makes Connection Points Different?

This new approach transforms memory care in every way. We evaluated everything we do to ensure the best possible experience for each resident. Ultimately, it comes down to making meaningful connections. Here are just a few of the reasons why our reimagined approach is crucial to how we share in our resident’s journeys together:

A Connected Experience

Why It’s Important

Creating the best possible experience for residents is the foundation of our Connection Points Memory Care approach. We do that by not only meeting people where they are on their journey with dementia, but we work to make every interaction more personal and impactful. By putting this mindset into everything from how we handle move-in, who we hire and what’s in our team members’ job descriptions — little changes make all the difference for residents and families.

What It Includes

• Move-In Process
  We offer move-ins Monday to Thursday to ensure a smooth adjustment to the community. This works because physicians are available, pharmacies are open, and more leadership and staff are there to welcome and guide residents and families.
• Specific Hiring Process
  Our approach demands that we go the extra mile to find the most hardworking, patient and empathetic people who are passionate about helping those through their journey with dementia. To make sure recruiters know the kind of person that fits the bill, they shadow memory care caregivers during their onboarding period and once a quarter afterward.
• Housekeeping Specialist
  Our housekeeping specialists don’t just clean — they connect. There’s time allotted into their schedule for them to chat, interact and connect with residents. It’s how we turn what could just be another face into a connection that makes our neighborhood shine.

Family Connection Points

Why It’s Important

We never forget that residents’ families are also on a journey with dementia. So, where dementia can divide and isolate people, our Connection Points Memory Care approach finds ways to bring them together. Whether that’s by helping families feel more involved in their loved ones’ lives, or by creating a larger community where people affected by this disease never have to feel alone. Because when families connect, they help each other see what to celebrate and embrace during this journey.

What It Includes

• Family Engagement Plan
  It’s important to allow families to come together in a setting that isn’t a support group. Newer families to the neighborhood have an outlet to ask questions and for experienced family members to become mentors. This allows people to learn from each other, lean on each other and navigate the experience of having a loved one with dementia together.
• Family Monthly Newsletter
  Our digital and print memory care newsletter brings the neighborhood and a sense of connection right to loved ones. Each edition is tailored by the Memory Care Director to provide meaningful updates, happenings, and education to the family and friends of our memory care residents.

Resident Connection Points

Why It’s Important

Dementia robs people and families of so much, but it can’t take away who someone is. The biggest priority for our Connection Points Memory Care approach is making sure every resident is treated like the unique individual they are. Then we start finding what moves them and bring it to life. Because life in our neighborhoods isn’t about just filling the days — it’s about making the days fulfilling.

What It Includes

• Interactive Environment
  The neighborhood’s interactive environment is strategically designed to help residents feel engaged and happy. Our destination stations provide sensory experiences based on their unique interests, ranging from wall-mounted xylophones to textured artwork.
• The Spark
  This gives caregivers a monthly budget to buy residents something that makes them smile — from a sweater from their alma mater to a favorite snack. These random acts of kindness bring joy to residents and caregivers while deepening their connection.

Nourish Connection Points

Why It’s Important

Our Connection Points Memory Care approach includes a science-backed approach to nutrition that nourishes both the body and the spirit. Malnutrition and dehydration are a real risk for those experiencing dementia, so our neighborhoods have innovative ways that encourage residents to eat, preventing maladies like weight loss and UTIs.

But our approach understands eating isn’t just important for physical health, so we turn every mealtime into an opportunity for residents to engage and connect.

What It Includes

• Certified Nourishment Specialist
  Training that helps our executive chefs understand the aging process and dementia, as well as learn the best ways to prepare food for the memory care neighborhood. 
• 24/7 Snack Bar
  Snacks and food are always easily accessible from the clearly labeled snack bar and see-through mini fridge. 
• Red Plate Dining
  Meals are served on red dishware because the color red has been scientifically proven to increase appetite, encouraging residents to eat more.
• Fresh Smoothies
  This is a delicious and portable way for residents to get the nutrition they need, and it’s a healthy alternative to meal supplements.
• Family Style Dining
  A self-directed dining experience helps residents feel more in control while creating a sense of community between residents.
• Revivify
  Scented oil aromatherapy stimulates the appetite before meals.
• Memory Morsels
  Two bite-sized, easy-to-eat versions of dishes on the menu are always available.

Employee Connection Points

Why It’s Important

When a memory care approach is built on connections, your team matters even more. The Connection Points Memory Care approach gives our team members the training, tools and support they need to grow and be at their best. And in our experience, happier, better-trained employees stay longer, work harder and make more meaningful connections with residents. 

What It Includes

• Color Card System
  This enables our team to understand which stage a resident is on in their journey through dementia. Each color communicates what the resident’s needs are in that stage, helping us better interact with and assist them.
• Dementia Training
  We’re always looking to help our team grow and get better through purposeful training. This includes general dementia overview training, hands-on job shadowing, memory care neighborhood onboarding, monthly in-services and extensive education seminars.
• Self-Care Program
  This offers everyone on our memory care team the personalized support they need to decompress, recharge and feel genuinely appreciated. These can include peer support groups, wellness groups, gifts and snacks — whatever each neighborhood’s team needs.

Beacon Of Life Connection Points

Why It’s Important

This part of the journey through dementia is never easy, but Connection Points is here to make it more personal, comfortable and meaningful for residents and families. This is a chance to come together, to say goodbye and to celebrate the life of a loved one. Beyond having hospice professionals available to help, our approach offers a supportive, soothing and personalized environment during this transition.

What It Includes

• Beacon of Life
  A light outside of our neighborhood subtly signals to others that a transition is taking place, so they can be respectful.
• Forget-Me-Knot Frame
  Those in the neighborhood and beyond can tie a ribbon on a frame outside of the residents room. This allows them to take a moment to reflect and say goodbye. The ribbon also serves as a tangible keepsake for a resident’s family — showing how much people cared about and appreciated their loved one.
• Comfort Cart
  Cold pillows, weighted blankets, a white noise machine and other sources of comfort are available for the resident and their family.
• Hospice Support
  Hospice services are available to help residents and their families reduce anxiety, maximize peace and comfort, and understand what to expect every step of the way.

Is It Time To Consider Memory Care?

We know it can be a difficult time when a loved one begins experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory impairments. We’re here to guide you through this journey and help you find the right care for your loved one.

If memory care is necessary, know that you are not alone in navigating this stage of your loved one’s unique journey. We are here to guide you. Give us a call and we’ll set up a time for you to come experience our memory care approach – the thoughtful design elements, a caring neighborhood and a whole compassionate community ready to support you and your loved one.

Stop by our community, we’re here to help. Feel free to call us anytime at 734-389-7871.