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Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer-Care

 

Bel Aire Senior Living in American Fork, UT recognizes the special needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other related memory impairments. Our memory support staff are trained in providing individualized, compassionate care to meet the unique needs of those with more severe forms of dementia. Our services are focused on the individual and on providing a safe and familiar, yet stimulating environment.

The Bel Aire Difference

Our memory support staff are trained in providing individualized, compassionate care to meet the unique needs of those with severe forms of dementia.

Bel Aire is also the only assisted living community that has the Dakim BrainFitnessTM cognitive learning system. Dakim transforms standardized neurological tests and exercises into compelling and fun brain-stimulating games in six cognitive domains. Dakim provides new games daily that seniors will want to play again and again. Dakim BrainFitnessTM has been clinically proven to significantly improve memory and language abilities while strengthening users’ attention, focus, and concentration.

We have witnessed that in spite of the effects of a dementia-related disease, the human connection we make with our residents will bring them comfort and more positive experiences.

People often rely on thirst as a signal for how much to drink. When it comes to Alzheimer’s residents, this may not be an accurate indicator of the body’s fluid needs. They are often confused and are not be able to remember if they’ve consumed any beverages in a given day. We’ve implemented a hydration program where each resident in our Alzheimer’s wing is given 2 oz of fluid every 2 hours.

We have developed a program that can bridge the effects of dementia to meet the emotional needs of each individual. We begin with understanding the stories and details of a senior’s life so we can involve them in familiar activities that keep the brain active. Group and personal activities are specifically designed to maintain and enhance cognitive, sensory, physical and social abilities. We have witnessed that in spite of the effects of a dementia-related disease, the human connection we make with our residents will bring them and their families comfort and more positive experiences.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY


SENSORY THERAPY

Sensory therapy is focused on anything that affects one of the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch), in some ways it also relates to a sense of location and balance. Therapy to help in this area may use swimming, mazes, obstacle courses, constructional toys, and building blocks. Hand and eye coordination can be improved with activities such as hitting a ball with a bat, popping bubbles, and throwing and catching balls, beanbags, and balloons. Appropriate sensory stimulation will decrease agitation and aggression, calm restlessness, and successfully treat sleep disorders – which are all symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease. 

COMFORT THERAPY

People with Alzheimer’s disease can often be soothed and calmed by beanies. With their comforting warmth, varied textures, and size and weight similar to an infant or small pet; these products provide a calming effect and can reduce anxiety and agitation. A minute or two in the microwave and these furry friends provide two hours of heat and aromatherapy. A little time in the freezer and they are a comforting way to provide cold therapy.

 

MUSIC THERAPY

Long after most other memories have become inaccessible to a person in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, that person might remember songs from his or her past and even sing along with them. People often report being surprised when their mother or father who doesn’t remember who they are, and yet, sings a familiar song without missing a word. It’s not just the stimulation caused by the memory of the song that is gratifying and therapeutic, but reminiscences are also conjured. With those reminiscences, emotions that became associated with the songs long ago are brought out and relived. It’s common for a song to elicit smiles, laughter, and even tears.

 

ART THERAPY

Artistic and creative talents often remain strong long after Alzheimer’s disease has severely affected memory and other cognitive processes. The creation of art and the enjoyment of art are both viable and effective activities for people with dementia. The benefits derived from creative expression include reminiscence and memory stimulation, socialization, and a decrease in some or the undesirable behavioral aspects of the disease, including anxiety, apathy, and agitation.


PET THERAPY

Dogs and pets of all kinds have become increasingly common in the treatment of individuals with dementia-related disorders. Due to the anxiety that social situations can cause dementia patients, they often avoid social situations altogether, including interacting with family and loved ones. We also use pet therapy to help our Alzheimer’s residents to improve their social, emotional, or cognitive functioning.


REMINISCENCE THERAPY

It is a funny thing about Alzheimer’s that memories are lost in reverse order; memories formed recently are more fleeting than those from many years ago. Alzheimer’s disease starts in the hypothalamus, the region of the brain responsible for putting experiences into memory. When the hypothalamus is damaged, recent experiences never have a chance to become memories. Not until much later in the disease’s progression does it affect the regions in the brain in which older memories are stored, and so those memories are available even into later stages of the disease. This phenomenon is responsible for much of the behavior and the symptoms commonly associated with Alzheimer’s, and we need to consider its effects when communicating with and selecting activities for people affected by the disease.


PLAY THERAPY

Planning structured, individualized activities that involve and interest the person with Alzheimer’s may reduce many of the more disturbing behavioral symptoms of AD, such as agitation, anger, frustration, depression, wandering or rummaging. Health professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say therapeutic activities should focus on the person’s previous interests, cue the person to old and recent memories and take advantage of the person’s remaining skills while minimizing the impact of skills that may be compromised. Successful activities support a person’s sense of self – bringing out their skills, memories, and habits – and reinforce the person’s sense of being in a group, which can provide friendship, mutual support, and spiritual connections.

 

DOLL THERAPY

Doll therapy is also known as baby doll therapy. Anyone who has seen it happen knows that a doll has the power to soothe and comfort people with Alzheimer’s disease.  Naturally, more women than men will choose a doll to nurture. It is important that a doll not be given directly to the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Rather it should be left somewhere, on a table or sitting in a chair, for example, somewhere that she will easily find it. This way the individual can make the choice to provide care for the doll, not feel that they are being given the responsibility to do so, which could cause anxiety or result in the doll being rejected.


MASSAGE THERAPY

People with Alzheimer’s disease don’t lose the capacity for human emotion or recognition of a caring touch, even a person in the very late, severe state of Alzheimer’s retains all these capacities. There are several benefits massage therapy offers people with Alzheimer’s disease, including increased body awareness and alertness, as well as a reduction in the feelings of confusion and anxiety. You also build reassurance and trust. Massage therapy can also help ease the effects of isolation, loneliness, and boredom while encouraging feelings of worthiness and well-being.

 

At Bel Aire Senior Living of American Fork, we serve Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care residents. Our team is dedicated to positively impacting our residents’ lives each day through service and care. Our community provides an option for those looking for senior care in Utah Valley that offers comfort, expert care, and a loving environment.

Services Include :

      • CNA ASSISTANCE 24/7  –  Residents enjoy 24-hour assistance from a very competent & compassionate CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) staff. We also provide excellent staff-to-resident ratios.
      • ASSISTANCE WITH ADLs – Activities of Daily Living include: Bathing, Dressing, Oral Hygiene, Ambulating/Transferring, Night Assistance, Eating, Incontinence Care/Bathroom Assistance, and Memory Care/Wandering.
      • MEDICATION MANAGEMENT -We track & distribute all medications to residents and will document this in their medical records. Medications are ordered and then delivered regularly by the shared pharmacy.
      • HOMESTYLE MEALS – All residents enjoy three delicious, well-balanced meals daily. Along with two desserts and snacks.
      • HOUSEKEEPING – Weekly housekeeping is provided and daily spot cleaning of each room. Creating a clean and comfortable environment is our priority.
      • LAUNDRY – We manage laundry and dry-cleaning services 3 times a week for all residents.
      • SNACKS – Snacks & Ice cold water is served each day around 3:00 pm. Residents can choose from healthy choices of fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, cookies, and other small snacks.
      • ACTIVITIES – Our calendar is carefully planned each month to ensure each resident has an opportunity to participate in a variety of meaningful activities that enrich the mind, body, and spirit.
      • RELIGIOUS SERVICES – LDS Branch services – weekly sacrament meeting, relief society, and priesthood meetings. Family Home Evenings are held each Monday. Non-denominational services are also provided.
      • MUSIC – Music is very important at Bel Aire. We provide a variety of music programs each month. Residents enjoy piano concerts, guitar music, sing-alongs, hymns, and more.
      • BUS RIDES – Residents can go on regular scenic bus drives to enjoy beautiful outdoor views each season or enjoy shopping trips and lunch outings with friends. Our bus is wheelchair accessible.
      • FITNESS – Our fitness and wellness programs are focused on improving vitality, functional endurance, strength, flexibility, and circulation. Morning exercises, walking club, sit and dance, balloon volleyball, etc.
      • BEAUTY SALON – Feeling beautiful at our beauty salon. It is open every Thursday morning where our residents, both men, and women, can get their hair cut, styling, colored, and much more.
      • Dakim Brain Fitness – This specialty computer program uses patented NeuroLogic technology that cross-trains our resident’s brains in six essential cognitive domains to provide a comprehensive brain workout.

 

THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS

      • CABLE TV/PHONE – A cable TV or landline phone is optional for each room. Cable TV is provided through Comcast with over 200 channels. Each room has its own separate extension and residents can call nationwide.
      • Mobile Dentist – Specializes in providing dental services directly in our facility with training for patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Services include exams, x-rays, cleaning, dentures, or other dental procedures.
      • Home Health & Hospice – whether there is a need for physical therapy or access to a nurse or doctor – these are all available to you through various home health agencies. Hospice services are also available.
      • Utah Senior Care Planning – Services include Medicaid eligibility planning and asset preservation, V.A. Pension benefit processing, Medicare insurance consulting, wealth transfer strategies, and retirement & estate planning.
      • Brett Wilde Real Estate Team – We will help you move into Bel Aire Senior Living and help pay for your admission fee. We provide FREE Moving Services to help our clients move locally.

AMENITIES & FEATURES

      • Apartment Style – Studio Rooms – Private Resident Rooms are available in three different sizes-small, medium, and large. Large rooms are suitable for couples. 1/2 bath, full bath, or kitchenette – depending on the room layout.
      • Patio – The patio is open during the warm season and residents can lounge outside enjoying the weather or eat with friends and family at our picnic tables with beautiful umbrellas. The patio is nicely suited in the inner courtyard.
      • Safety Grab Bars

 

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID

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“After caring for my husband who was recently diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, it came time to think about placing him in a care facility. After visiting several places, we chose Bel Aire and we have been happy with our choice. We love the staff and feel they are dedicated to their jobs. The facility is clean, the residents are well cared for and I feel my husband has adjusted well. He enjoys the activities and tells me the food is delicious. I would recommend Bel Aire for these reasons and for the fact that I know he is in good hands and the peace of mind that gives me speaks for itself.”

-Sue J.

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