Caregiving for residents who require memory care in a senior living community is a challenge, but new initiatives can help them enjoy a higher quality of life. One of these programs is Discovery Senior Living’s SHINE Memory Care Program. The SHINE program offers an innovative approach to dementia care, and it was honored for its efforts by the Alzheimer’s Association. Read on to find out why SHINE Memory Care Program stands out from others.
Developing the SHINE Memory Care Program
The SHINE Program was developed with the aim to cultivate a resident-centered approach that touches every aspect of life for the individual living with dementia. The focus was to improve the quality of life for the person, his or her family, and the caregiving team. That program had to be practical and sustainable, and it had to provide tools and information that the team could tailor to any circumstance they experienced with a dementia resident.
The program was created with a team of renowned specialists as well as advice from some of the nation’s outstanding program experts. Community and department leaders, caregivers, and senior management make up part of the team that contributed valuable insights. Current research and guidance, the challenges and joys of working with dementia residents were also taken into account when developing the program.
Recognizing the elder care industry’s turnover and staffing issues, Discovery Senior Living and its team strived to establish SHINE as a standard and culture in its communities. The strong support from its members is one of the reasons why the SHINE Memory Care Program can continue to grow.
One-of-a-kind Program Design
The SHINE Memory Care Program approaches memory care in a unique way. It concentrates not only on the individual living with dementia but also on the people who live with the person living with dementia. These persons can include community caregivers, family, culinary team members, and more. Our best accomplishments come from sharing information, both current and historical, about the resident and their wants, goals, aspirations, background, and current hobbies. Every resident is unique, and family and residents can share details about their background and history, while the team can share information about the resident’s current status.
Training is an important aspect of the program. Caregivers in Discovery Senior Living receive training and have access to SHINE’s resources, tools, and education. Education is an ongoing process and caregivers know there is always something new they can learn every day.
Positive Response
Feedback on SHINE Memory Care Program has been positive. Discover Senior Living has heard family members mention they are elated to see their loved ones being part of a welcoming community, living a richer life in their retirement years. Residents have a rich history, incredible achievements, traditions, ambitions, and individuality. The SHINE program is intended to support and enhance those aspects
Recognition
The Alzheimer’s Association awarded the SHINE program a Certificate of Recognition for its comprehensive and distinctive approach. Prior to receiving this honor, the program curriculum was extensively examined. Discovery Senior Living is one of just eight provider organizations in the country to have gained this honor.
The SHINE Memory Care program is presently available at 40 Discovery Senior Living locations around the country. Blue Ridge is one of these locations that serve the needs of residents in the area. Contact us for more information about our SHINE Memory Care program.
