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Early Memory Support

Description of Touchmark Pembroke Program

In Touchmark communities that are appropriately designed and licensed to provide a living environment for individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory loss illnesses or injuries but are not in need of a secured environment for their living space, the early memory support programs are called “Pembroke.”

Sometimes the term “age-related dementia” is used. A dementia resulting from a stroke, head injury, or any other illness or condition would be considered “age-related dementia,” as long as the person is 55 or older. There are any number of dementing illnesses—some that come with aging, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and some that stem from other events, such as a stroke, auto accident, etc. The main reason that Touchmark uses the term “age-related” is to make clear that we do not serve younger adults who have dementing illnesses.

Characteristics of clients appropriate for services provided in the Pembroke early memory support programs:

  1. An accurate and current diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other age-related dementing illness. This diagnosis is provided in the doctor’s orders that are required for a resident to move into the Pembroke program.
  2. Cognitive challenges that put the individual at risk for confusion in the larger assisted or independent living areas. These challenges always include memory loss, impaired judgment, and inability to be independent in some activities of daily living. They may also lead to difficulties in the larger dining rooms and Life Enrichment/Wellness program.
  3. A need for oversight in medication administration, dietary intake, functional and leisure activities, and other decision-making tasks that occur in the course of a 24-hour day.
  4. Requires a supported environment to be safe and comfortable. This is an unsecured area that allows residents to come and go throughout their 24-hour day. Staff supervision is provided to support excursions out of the Pembroke living area.

Pembroke environment

The physical environment in the Pembroke early memory support program is specifically designed to provide appropriate levels of stimulation and support in a smaller and more intimate area than the assisted living neighborhood. Guided choices are encouraged through person-centered programming provided by especially trained staff, who work with the residents throughout the day, evening, and night. Support is provided to guide residents to choices that fit their identified strengths, skills and interests.

The primary key to the success of this program is careful, ongoing assessment of the residents. If they become at risk of wandering or causing personal harm to themselves or others because of the progression of the dementia, it is understood that a move to a secured environment, such as the Devonshire program, will be required.

Staff training for everyone working in the Pembroke environment is based on the Touchmark person-centered care model, which is a best practice and exceeds state requirements for training in all states and Canada. Ratios of staff to residents are determined by the scheduled and unscheduled needs of the residents and meet or exceed state requirements for staffing. All residents are provided opportunities to be outside in the courtyard area or other outdoor areas on the campus, and residents may also participate in activities and field trips that occur outside of the Pembroke living area. A smaller, more intimate dining area is provided within the Pembroke, but residents often dine in the community’s other dining rooms. Each resident’s specific preferences are acknowledged, and the schedule of activities and assistance with personal care are based on those preferences.

Here are some key words and definitions that are used in Touchmark programs supporting individuals with early memory loss:

Dawn Brooker, a professor at the University of Bradford Dementia Group in England, offers four features in her article “What is Person-Centered Care in Dementia?” They are:

Although no one would choose to have a disease that causes brain cell death, confusion, and fear, there are many persons living with this reality. Touchmark believes that person-centered care recognizes that the essential person is still present, despite the Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It is our challenge and obligation to meet people where they are and work with them to have a day—and a life—that are meaningful. It is our commitment to them, their families, and our staff.

The following early memory loss services are provided as part of the basic rate, with no additional charge in Touchmark Pembroke programs:

Services provided by a licensed nurse

[ A quarterly medication assessment/review is available for a minimal charge]

Health Monitoring

Housekeeping and Laundry

Life Enrichment/Wellness

Dining Services

[Modifications to food as ordered by doctor (limited to mechanical soft, cutting food prior to serving, or assistance with eating) are available for an appropriate charge]

It is important to remember that the regulations regarding provision of services to individuals with progressive memory loss diseases vary from state to state and in Canada. These differences are reflected within the Pembroke memory support program in each locale.

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