Centers for the Memory-Impaired
What are the Centers for the Memory Impaired?
Our Centers for the Memory Impaired provide state-of-the-art facilities designed especially to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for those with a sometimes frightening condition: memory impairment. All staff, from RNs and LPNs to maintenance and housekeeping workers, are specially trained to understand the unique needs of memory-impaired residents.
Our specialized accommodations for the memory impaired include:
- Separate "closed neighborhood" which provides a safe and secure environment
- Top and bottom Dutch doors to increase visibility, yet provide some degree of privacy
- "Low-boy" beds, to safely keep residents in bed without the confinement of side rails
- Special lighting and blinds to minimize shadows and reflections, which can confuse or upset those with memory impairment
- A unique "memory frame" at each resident's door which holds familiar photos or mementos, to aid the patient's room identification
- Appropriate signage to assist residents in getting around
- Spacious, comfortable lounge area
- Specialized dietary services
- Individualized Senior Wellness Programs, specifically designed for memory-impaired residents
- Activities and social programs
We manage Centers for the Memory Impaired at six Skilled Nursing Centers — Highland Park Care Center, Providence Care Center, Kittanning Care Center, HarmarVillage Care Center, Greensburg Care Center, and Colonial Park Care Center, as well as one Assisted Living Center — Amber Woods. Click for more information on the Center nearest you.
Our Staff
All employees in our Centers for the Memory Impaired receive special training to understand and work with people with dementia. Each center is led by a psychologist and psychiatrist and is staffed by:
- An attending physician of the resident's choice, credentiated within guidelines for long-term care
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Certified Nursing Assistants
- Rehabilitation Therapists (PT, OT, SLT)
- Respiratory Therapists
- Recreational Therapists and Activities Specialists
- Dietary Technician
- Housekeeping, Laundry, and Maintenance Staff
- Administrative Staff (Admissions, Social Services, Case Management, and Business Office)
Our Centers for the Memory Impaired also feature:
- A Wellness Program specially designed for residents with dementia
- A Restorative Department, which offers retraining in daily activities such as ambulation and social dining
- An Activities Department, which works to maintain each resident at his or her highest level of function
- A Social Services Department, which serves the resident as well as family and friends
What Is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
For information about Alzheimer's call 800-272-3900, or click www.alz.org. to reach the Alzheimer's Association web site. It is a great source of helpful information and support.
Other Causes of Memory Impairment
Alzheimer's is the most common, but not the only, cause of memory impairment. Following are some of the other possible causes:
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack
- Parkinson's disease
- The normal aging process