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Lakeside Park > Our Community > Specialized Programs:

Specialized Programs

AgeSong offers specialized programs that integrate the various elements of self – physical, cognitive, spiritual, and social needs and wants.

Forgetfulness Care

The Forgetfulness (Dementia) Program supports an interdisciplinary approach to caring for people with different types of dementia. We prefer to call our dementia program Forgetfulness Care, as it de-stigmatizes and de-pathologizes the symptoms of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Pacific Institute mental health interns work in concert with AgeSong caregivers to "see" and relate to the person rather than just to treat symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion.

Our Forgetfulness Program challenges the typical medical view of dementia as a disease or illness. We do not believe that a person's essential humanness is impacted by forgetfulness or confusion. Instead, we find that the "forgetful" person's essential humanity is highlighted, made even more perceptible, if only we choose to "see" it. Our program not only addresses the behavioral challenges, but also validates their responses to this new phase of their lives. At the root of this is our firm belief that there is nothing wrong with the resident, forgetfulness, confusion, or disorientation. The program focuses on supporting family members and caregivers, helping them to understand the new 'language of forgetfulness.'

This specialized care service addresses the different needs of our residents with forgetfulness symptoms. We offer:

• Screening for different types of forgetfulness and its stages
• Assessment of different types of care needed
• Behavioral, physical, and gero-psychiatric supervision and oversight
• Restraint-free care
• Coordination of care among many different care providers
• Comfort and supportive care of residents in the various stages of forgetfulness
• Education and training for the family members, caregivers, and staff in our innovative approach to supporting and caring for people with forgetfulness symptoms

Activities and Expressive Arts

All humans are innately creative, and expressing creativity is necessary for human happiness and growth at every stage of life. Our Expressive Arts Program combines creative activities such as painting, arts and crafts, dance, music, and sculpture with psychotherapy and life coaching. In this way the Expressive Arts Program introduces activities as a means of creative self-expression, whether those activities are on the physical, psychological, social, or spiritual level.

These experiences provide residents with a sense of empowerment and accomplishment while they play and have fun. Many experts believe that the courage to create is the basis for the courage to live an authentic, fully actualized life, regardless of our age.

Our activity program is uniquely individualized, and we work with each resident to find the means of expression that is just right for them. This promotes not only creativity but also physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being on both a personal and a community level.

Our Activities and Expressive Arts program includes:

• Group art, drama, and movement classes taught by staff and outside professionals
• Art with elders classes that support residents in expressing their creativity through painting and other visual media
• Physical exercise including daily exercise programs, walking, and range of motion classes
• Monthly outings to local places of interest
• Individual support for emotional needs

 

Hospice/Respite/Transitional Care

Our Hospice Care program allows us to coordinate care with MediCare certified hospice providers to support residents who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. We take special care in supporting residents and families as they journey through the dying process. Our hospice programs are inspired by the practices of Zen Hospice and include resident’s a faith traditions, grief and loss support and coordination of needs through the Medicare hospice agency of the residents’ choice.

Our Respite and Transitional Care program allows residents to live with us for a week or two while family members take a break from 24-hour caregiving or when a resident needs some short term support after an illness or injury.

Our Respite and Transitional Care program provides assessment and support for short-term needs; varied activities and recreational outings; assistance with personal care, medication assistance, and care coordination for long term planning.

 

Spiritual Care

At our communities, we try to be aware of, and provide space for, a resident's spiritual needs. For many of us, the belief in a higher power or spirit is at least equally important as the physical self. This is especially true in our later years. For some of our residents during this time, the belief in a spiritual dimension of life is central to the meaning and joy in their life. Our Spiritual Care Program provides spiritual support to residents, family members, friends, and staff. In AgeSong's quest to provide ideal therapeutic environments--places that serve people in truly being who they are--we believe this program is a vital offering.

We work in concert with community members who are ordained or have positions as spiritual care providers; serving those who desire their guidance. Our program is an interfaith program, where all forms of religion and spirituality are welcome.

• Spiritual support during critical decisions in healthcare
• Education and support when choosing end-of-life alternatives
• Integration of spirituality and religion in daily life, including, as desired, group and individual rituals and practices
• Seminars and workshops on Facing Death & Embracing Life
• Open space to exhibit symbols or representations of different beliefs and traditions

 

Care and Assisted Living

Care is a complex human phenomenon. The way we are present, how we relate to time, and the attitude with which we relate to other human beings are central to providing care that is genuine and healing. Our Care and Assisted Living program is rooted in a holistic and comprehensive approach to care that supports different activities of daily living at different levels of needs; from cueing and general assistance to more involved care needs such as incontinence and two-person transfers. Our approach is invaluable in furnishing our residents with well-rounded care and nurturing that goes above and beyond the standard aspects of the tasks of care giving.

We develop Individual Service Plans that treat every resident like the unique individual they are. Designed with a holistic approach that encompasses input from an entire interdisciplinary team—including family members, caregivers, social workers, physicians and psychotherapists—the service plans help to ensure the well-rounded satisfaction of our residents.

• Comprehensive care that addresses individualized needs through specialized programs
• Individual service plans developed by interdisciplinary teams
• Medication management and review
• One-on-one and group activities and outings
• Continually trained caregivers and support staff
• Housing needs, including laundry, scheduled transportation, and daily housekeeping
• Coordination of medical appointments and doctor visits
• Full dining services, including specialized diets
• An accessible and vibrant neighborhood with cafés and shops

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