How Can We Help?
- Is your loved one living with dementia?
- Is their memory impairment making it more and more difficult to live safely at home?
- Have the responsibilities of caregiving become too overwhelming?
The Jewish Healthcare Center recognizes the often profound stress of caring for someone with dementia and we are here to help.
Since 1988, the Jewish Healthcare Center has been a leader in providing care to residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. Our goal is to provide exceptional care for people living with all types of dementia. We are also committed to providing support for family members who walk beside their loved ones as their disease progresses.
Dementia is a degenerative disease of the brain that impairs memory, thinking, and behaviors. It can be frustrating to live with the inability to remember words or names, follow directions or complete everyday tasks. The 5th floor special care unit, known as the 5th Avenue neighborhood, has developed a continuum of care that addresses the unique needs of residents living with dementia as they proceed through the different stages of the disease. This unit includes private and semi-private rooms for 40 residents. All staff has completed a specialized training program following the guidelines of the Department of Public Health.
When should you consider the Dementia Special Care Unit?
Often people never discuss options for care when their loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Beginning these conversations early and being prepared can help to ease some of the stress of these difficult decisions. When your loved one’s dementia advances and requires additional care, family members may not be able to provide this higher level of care. Then it may be time to consider other options. Family members should consider the long-term emotional and physical toll of caregiving as well as the social and financial burdens of continuing to care for their loved ones at home.
Some of the main factors that may impact the decision for placement include:
- High risk for falls
- Wandering
- Increasing resistance to care
- Incontinence
- Failing health of the primary caregiver
- Behavioral issues
When a family member feels it is no longer an option for the loved one to remain at home, our specialized unit provides a safe and comfortable environment.
FAQ’s
What activities are offered?
The Club focuses on activities to maintain abilities and promote a sense of community such as: holiday and birthday parties, exercise, arts and crafts, music and games. The Namaste Care Program focuses on sensory based life enhancements by providing one on one activities in a group setting such as: hand massage, aromatherapy, facials and visual stimulation.
What medical support is available?
We have Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, and highly trained nursing staff available at all times.
How are behaviors addressed?
We look at the residents as individuals with unique needs. Our unit is based on a person-centered premise. We develop non-pharmacological plans of care to address these needs. Psychiatric services are available if they become necessary. We look at behaviors as a form of communication.
How are religious needs addressed?
We ask what the resident would like to fulfill his or her spiritual needs. Our campus has a full-time Chaplain who leads a weekly discussion group, a variety of religious services, and provides private pastoral support as desired. Catholic services, mass and communion are also provided.
How are end-of-life issues handled?
Discussions are held with families to determine what their wishes are for the resident as the disease progresses. The team is available to assist with these difficult conversations and decision-making issues. Referrals to Hospice are made when appropriate so that you and your loved one can receive specialized care and support at end-of-life. (JHC Hospice)