When Denise Van Hyfte’s mother started showing signs of dementia, she knew that finding a memory care facility was vital to her mother’s condition, safety and wellbeing. After researching care options in her community, she chose Bethlehem Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation, one of more than a dozen American Senior Communities (ASC) in northeast Indiana. “We walked in and immediately everyone came to greet us. They were super helpful and friendly. It just felt like the right place for her,” recalls Van Hyfte.
Bethlehem Woods is a long-term care community that features a specialized memory care program provided in a self-contained “neighborhood” within the community. The structured, research-based program incorporates highly personalized care plans that address the cognitive, physical, social and spiritual needs of each resident.
“Once we got her to the memory care unit, we saw a great improvement in her mental status,” Van Hyfte says. “They streamlined her medications and she wasn’t quite so foggy. We really had an opportunity to spend more time together.”
American Senior Communities’ VP of Social Wellness & Enrichment Janean Kinzie says what sets ASC’s memory care program apart is its thoughtfully designed environments and commitment to person-centered care. “We are very intentional in incorporating environmental cues that help our residents navigate their living space with confidence,” says Kinzie. “Things like memory boxes, interactive displays with items from bygone days, and celebrating each resident’s unique interests help us enable them to be their best selves wherever they are in their journey with memory loss.” The company champions what is referred to as a “Care Companion Culture,” in which a team member is paired with a resident who gets to know them closely. “It makes all the difference in the world when you know who the person is, what kind of job they had, what people are important to them and what they enjoy,” Kinzie says.
Because memory loss can cause wandering among people living with dementia, ASC’s Memory Care Neighborhoods are secure and all entry and exit points are electronically controlled and continuously monitored. Residents are not restricted to their apartments and common spaces, though, and have ample opportunities for fresh air and community involvement. More advanced care is readily available if needed. Staff known as “Memory Care Specialists” are rigorously screened before hiring and receive ongoing, specialized training in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Kinzie says their Care Companion Culture is essential to making sure family members like Van Hyfte know their loved ones are in good hands. Denise agrees, saying she’s confident her mother is getting the care she needs in a safe, friendly environment. “They all know who she is and that’s a good feeling.”
Address: 4430 Elsdale Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835
Phone: (260) 217-4894
Website: asccare.com
Email: info@asccare.com
Products & Services: Short-term rehabilitation, memory care, long-term care, respite care, hospice care, outpatient therapy