A strength-based approach to memory care puts the spotlight on what folks can do, not what they can’t. At The Trace, this idea is at the heart of our SHINE® program, where we build on each person’s strengths with smart dementia care strategies that keep everyone engaged and happy.
We sit right in the lively spot of Covington, LA, surrounded by:
- Those grand old live oaks
- Fun art events like the Three Rivers Art Festival
- Bustling Saturday farmers’ markets
- Cute little shops
- The St. Tammany Trace path is nearby for easy walks or bike rides
Did you know a review of 19 studies by Kim et al in Clinical Interventions in Aging with nearly 4,000 people found that person-centered care, a lot like our strength-based ways, increases quality of life overall, while decreasing mental health issues like anxiety and depression?
What Is a Strength-Based Approach to Care?
You know how sometimes folks get stuck looking at what’s wrong, especially when dealing with memory challenges? Instead of zeroing in on what someone can’t do anymore, strength-based care shines a light on what they can do, building up their confidence and making every day feel a bit brighter.
Experts over at Positive Psychology explain it as focusing on positive attributes to boost well-being, which lines up perfectly with how we handle things in dementia care strategies. At our spot in Covington, that means helping folks rediscover joys like chatting with friends or enjoying a quiet walk, all while feeling valued and capable.
What Are the 6 Key Principles of a Strengths-Based Approach?
The strength-based approach rests on six solid principles that guide how we care for folks. These are practical steps that make a real difference in everyday life.
Goal Setting
We help residents pinpoint what they want to achieve, like joining a group activity or mastering a simple task. Experts like David Coreen of Davron state that well-defined goals can lead to higher success. However, the key is well-defined goals, not arbitrary goals that are impossible to achieve.
Strengths Assessment
This is where we dig into what makes each person tick, such as:
- Their hobbies
- Skills
- Even that great sense of humor they’ve got
We take these into account when we set our goals, so that each person can focus on what they want and can do.
Environmental Resources
That means using what’s around us, like our cozy spaces at The Trace or nearby spots in Covington, to support daily wins. Community, like family and friends, is the pillar of healthy aging.
Studies like Community Participation and Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults: The Roles of Sense of Community and Neuroticism by Chen et al, state that it leads to higher satisfaction in life and creates a positive effect on depressive symptoms.
Alternative Methods Look
We get creative, finding new ways to do things that play to our strengths instead of forcing old habits. Because we focus on person-centric care at The Trace, we do not offer cookie-cutter approaches, but look at each individual’s needs separately.
Hope-Inducing Relationships
Building bonds that spark positivity and remind everyone they’re not alone. In our community, we have a compassionate and helpful team ready to remind our residents of their innate worth.
Meaningful Interactions
Every chat or shared moment counts. Our group activities foster life-long relationships with peers, family, and even our staff.
How Does a Strength-Based Approach Enhance Person-Centered Care in Memory Care?
Our SHINE® team gets top-notch training in these methods, so they are ready to spot strengths and build on them for senior wellness support. For example, if a resident loves music, we might crank up some tunes from their era to spark joy and chats.
What Role Does Dining Play in Strength-Based Dementia Care Strategies?
Mealtime can create so much connection and comfort in memory care. In a strength-based setup, dining becomes a chance to:
- Tap into senses
- Socialize
- Feel normal again
We keep it calm and routine at The Trace, serving up healthy bites that folks enjoy, with help right there if needed. Family-style dining, like what we do, helps with appetite and even prevents malnutrition, according to a Dutch study by Nijs et al in The Journals of Gerontology.
And in Covington, we might even sneak in local flavors from the farmers’ markets to keep it fun and familiar!
How Can Activities in Assisted Living in Covington Foster Belonging and Fun?
We love outings to the St. Tammany Trace for gentle walks amid those historic oaks, or popping by the Three Rivers Art Festival for some creative vibes. These build friendships and that cozy sense of home.
FAQs
What Are the First Steps in the Memory Care Admission Process?
Start things off by getting a clear diagnosis. Most spots need proof of dementia or cognitive issues from a doctor to qualify. Next, scout communities with tours and chats to see if they fit, then dive into their assessments, like health checks and chats about daily needs.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Transition into Memory Care?
It varies, but if you’re organized, it could only take a week. Expect assessments and paperwork to stretch it to a few weeks sometimes, especially with waiting lists at popular spots.
On move-in day, settling can take an hour or sometimes up to a day as folks adjust.
How Can Families Prepare a Loved One for Moving into Memory Care?
Ease them in with honest talks about the change, sharing fun details like activities or meals to build excitement. Pack personal items like photos or favorite blankets to make the new space feel homey from day one.
Discover the Power of Our Memory Care Philosophy at The Trace
A strength-based approach really changes the game in memory care by putting the focus on what makes each person shine. At The Trace, it’s baked into our SHINE® program, where we use science-backed ways to help folks rediscover independence and that warm sense of belonging right here in Covington.
Our SHINE® Memory Care earned a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association®, putting us in an elite group for top-notch, personalized care that truly honors every resident.
Swing by The Trace today and schedule a tour, and let’s chat about how our strength-based approach can light up life for you or your loved one.
