Did you know that a new Temecula, California memory care community is opening later this summer? As an industry-leader in memory care programs, we are excited to offer our unique memory care program in Temecula to those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
If you are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, you know that some days are easier than others. With a long-term memory loss diagnosis (like Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment), sometimes it may take every last bit of energy you have to be your loved one’s caregiver. It might be convincing your mom to eat dinner or dealing with dad when he thinks it’s time to head to work when it’s really 3 a.m. Being a live-in caregiver might not be a realistic, long-term plan.
Finding a community that will care for your parent with as much affection, and as much detail, as you do may feel impossible. At Highgate, we’ve invested resources into our memory care program
Living life in their moment, not ours
Working with individuals who see reality differently takes particular skill. That’s why all of Highgate's care partners are trained in Positive Approach® to Care (PAC). Developed by Teepa Snow, it teaches our care team how to step into the shoes of a resident with dementia or Alzheimer's. It helps them to live in the moment with residents and provide support regardless of what year, day or time period may be their reality at that moment.
When care partners use PAC, Fred becomes much more than the 85-year-old resident who gets panicky in the afternoons.
Instead of ‘How do we calm him down now?’ care partners take a respectful, problem-solving approach asking, “Why is he panicky? What do we know about his story that will help us figure out what he’s trying to tell us?”
By getting to know his story, care partners might realize that he's upset because, in his mind, he's late submitting a report at work or supposed to be at his grandma's house after school. Knowing what Fred is trying to accomplish allows the care team to support him in his reality, rather than try and convince him of ours. Our care team partners are trained to explore why a resident’s memory has taken them back to that time and place. They might ask what he enjoys doing when spending time with his grandmother. His answer might lead into a conversation about her strawberry patch, which could lead to asking him to help check on the residents' garden at our community. Fred feels heard, validated, and gets to enjoy an activity that reminds him of the quality time he used to spend with his grandmother.
Focusing on purposeful living, not limitations
While some communities assign numbers to the various stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, Highgate uses Teepa Snow’s GEMS® model to identify what purposeful living means for each resident. Using a gem says “they’re still precious and valuable and can still shine,” says Marcie Suppe, RN, Director of Resident Services, Highgate Senior Living. “You’re a
At Highgate at Temecula, you won’t be just an apartment number. Every resident has a unique story and a legacy to share with others. Our goal is to ensure residents live each day to the fullest. We provide opportunities for residents to stay as physically, mentally, and socially active as possible by offering a quality recreation program that offers activities such as exercise classes, music therapy, and relaxing massages.
It takes a special kind of person, devotion, and love to care for those with memory loss. It takes the kind of people who work at Highgate.
