Choosing the right memory care program for your loved one can be daunting. One crucial element to consider in your research is if the memory care community uses resident life stories as part of its programming. Resident life stories and preferences can include their loves, likes, occupations, family members, music, past routines, and more. As your loved one brings a rich history of life stories, talents, and preferences, it is reassuring to find a program that not only treats them with respect and dignity, but also understands, celebrates, and incorporates their history into their care plan.
Why are Resident Life Stories Important?
- Dignity and Respect
Resident stories are based on a platform of respect. Life stories emphasize a glimpse into who the resident is and their importance as an individual with a rich history to be relished and shared. Life stories allow staff to foster personal connections among residents based on common interests and increase the understanding of an individual’s culture and history. - Reduce Agitation
Learning and incorporating resident preferences, past routines, and history into their day in the areas of Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as programming and meals can help identify and troubleshoot why a resident may be upset and redirect behaviors to reduce agitation and mitigate challenging behaviors. Using the residents past routines not only guides them to what comes next but also increases feelings of belonging and safety and ultimately increases feelings of self-esteem that comes from person-centered care. - Inspire Joy and Conversation
Understanding the residents’ likes and what makes them tick through their life stories can be used to bring moments of joy into social interactions. Life stories can help create individualized engagement strategies for residents and inspire conversation and meaningful interactions. - Positive and Intentional Experience
Knowing residents’ life stories helps the care team integrate purpose and meaningful moments into their lives every day. An emphasis on life stories can help them make connections to other residents based on interests, hobbies, and work experiences. It supports a customized program that honors residents and their journey with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Understanding who the residents are and the lives they’ve led are important elements to providing the best care.
The exclusive Montessori Moments in Time™ program (MMIT) is the cornerstone of Meridian Senior Living’s comprehensive approach to memory care which was developed through extensive research and first-hand experience with our residents throughout the years. The goals of MMIT are to enhance living for those with memory challenges by using the five directional paths including Family Connections, Health and Wellness, Dining Experience, Life Engagement, and Team Promise. Each directional path has the resident and family in mind to encourage independence and helps deal with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Contact us today to learn more about how our resident-tailored approach differs from other programs.