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 dementing illnesses, the memory support programs are called "Devonshire."
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 have dementing illnesses.
Characteristics of clients appropriate for services provided in the Devonshire memory support programs:
The physical environment in the Devonshire memory support program is specifically designed to provide appropriate levels of stimulation and support in an area that is secured for exit and entry to residents. Guided choices are encouraged through person-centered programming provided by especially trained staff, who work with the residents throughout the day, evening, and night. Guided choices means that we give residents choices for which we can provide staff and/or other support, as needed. For example, a resident from the Devonshire may choose to go on the weekly bus trip scheduled for the Devonshire residents; it wouldn't be a good idea to ask, "Would you like to go on a bus trip?" and have the resident think he/she can join the residents from another part of the building on a bus trip that doesn't provide the staffing or environment appropriate for a Devonshire resident. Our staff are trained to offer choices that we can provide and that are reasonably safe for the resident.
Staff training for everyone working in the Devonshire 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 a secured courtyard area and may also participate in activities and field trips that occur outside of the Devonshire program area. A smaller, more intimate dining area is provided for residents within the Devonshire, and residents may go to bed and awake on their individual schedules.
Here are some key words and definitions that are used in Touchmark programs supporting individuals with memory loss:
Person-The real self of a human being; an individual personality with a unique life story.
Person-centered-This is a term used to describe the philosophy of honoring the "self" of each person by respecting self-esteem issues and personal values in every encounter, interaction, and activity.
Person-centered activity-An activity, event, or interaction that is planned and conducted around a person's life history, interests, needs, strengths, and skills. The individual engaging or inviting the person to participate in the activity has a personal and positive relationship with him/her.
Person-centered care-A culture in which a positive relationship is established that respects a person's life history and preferences; honors the person's identity; engages in meaningful activity; encourages an overall sense of well-being; and provides a positive and unconditional regard for the person.
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 memory loss services are provided as part of the basic rate at each Touchmark community, with no additional charge. There is some variation at each community, depending on a building's staffing, services, and/or state regulations.
Services provided at no additional charge in Touchmark Devonshire programs:
[ A quarterly medication assessment/review is available for a minimal charge]
[There is an additional charge for continence care]
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 Devonshire memory support programs in each locale.
