Symphony at Mentor is there to help people take the steps towards Alzheimer's and dementia care on their terms
By Patricia Nugent
Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although a cure for this progressive, irreversible brain illness hasn’t yet been discovered, facilities such as Symphony at Mentor have created a continuum of care with memory programs to pave the way for those suffering from Alzheimer’s to make the most of their days.
According to Executive Director Jamie Ashley Cohen,
“Wherever a person is on his or her journey, we have a level of care for them, whether it’s being part of our adult day care, or offering respite care so family caregivers can take a break or go on vacation, to residency in our facility and, lastly, working with hospice care. We are uniquely designed and dedicated to serve those suffering from dementia, with licensed nurses and caregivers on duty, and security measures in place. And with our In the Moment memory program, we make the most of each moment, getting to know residents and nurturing them.”
Suites Surrounding Courtyards, Rustic Wooded Land
Leading from the main entrance, in a charming Victorian style complete with corner turrets and a welcoming front porch, Symphony is made up of three separate “neighborhoods,” called the Garfield, the Country and the Lakeside.
Each neighborhood provides care to approximately 20 residents, and Jamie explains this arrangement is comforting for people with dementia to experience the same people each day and become familiar with their surroundings.
Spacious private and semi-private studio apartments surround a courtyard, complete with a patio and garden the residents tend (there’s a bumper crop of berries this year), and mini-putting green if they want to practice their golf skills. Jamie reports the grill outdoors is often fired up for cookouts. And to bring the outdoors in, each neighborhood contains an aviary with colorful mini finches.
A comprehensive host of services, from physical, speech and occupational therapy to physicians, beauticians, rehab services, pet therapy dogs, cooking demonstrations and hospice are also available.
“Our residents enjoy daily social activities, community outings, speakers and musical performances,” she says. “There’s always something going on.”
Jamie mentions that keeping residents eating and thriving is made easier thanks to the delicious from-scratch meals prepared by Chef Corinne Branthoover.
A Modern Approach to Memory Support
Symphony created the In the Moment program as a team approach to care delivery that’s different from outdated dementia care practices.
“We recognize that each person we serve is unique, and we treat them as individuals, finding out about their history, likes and dislikes,” says Jamie.
The holistic program is based on six principles of well-being: physical engagement, spiritual support, artistic expression, community connections, continuing education, and lifestyle and leisure.
Bringing the Outside World In
Symphony at Mentor offers the It’s Never 2 Late iN2L Person-Centered Technology, which is an interactive screen that moves from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Residents can virtually travel the world, conduct an orchestra, or play interactive trivia games that span the decades, enjoying social connection and memory engagement.
“This has been a wonderful tool for us to find out more about our residents and engage them in cognitive, sensory and tactile ways,” says Jamie.
Music is a big part of the iN2L, whether with singalongs, or “conductor-cise,” during which people wave their own wands to conduct the music.
Another helpful function of the technology is that there are individual iPads in synch with the program, available on each floor and each resident’s profile is loaded into the devices. Family members who might feel they aren’t connected to their parents or grandparents can use the tablets’ information as conversation-starters for more meaningful visits.
Stay Just for the Day, or When Needed
Symphony provides adult day care that accommodates people seven days per week, half-day or full-day, or even by the hour if necessary. And they can also provide care services such as administering baths or showers.
Attendees come at least two to three times a week and are fully integrated in all of the activities the residents enjoy, including meals and snacks, crafts, field trips, entertainment and group classes with the iN2L program. If they need a nap, no problem, there are resting accommodations, too.
Once people are comfortable with the day care setting, they often transition to stay for respite care, and eventually segue into full-time care when the time comes.
Symphony at Mentor is located at 8155 Mentor Hills Drive in Mentor. For more information, call 440-256-8320 or visit SymphonyatMentor.com. Ask about move-in specials. Stop in for a tour and join them for a free lunch.