Alzheimer's and dementia are distinct conditions, but both require understanding and support. Dementia is a broad term encompassing cognitive decline, while Alzheimer's refers explicitly to a common type of dementia. Dementia care approaches can vary based on the specific type of dementia, but the goal remains the same: Creating a safe and supportive environment, managing symptoms, and providing emotional support. Although there is no cure for dementia, enhancing the quality of life through regular check-ups, medication management, and access to support is essential for those affected.

Memory care facilities offer a safe place for people with memory loss to live, thrive, and socialize with their peers.

 

Cottage members have the opportunity to utilize all of Bergen Gardens’ leisure and common spaces with the support of wristband technology, which ensures safety and security 24 hours a day. We believe that when people are surrounded with opportunities to connect with pets, nature, and people of all ages, they will continue to thrive and grow. Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba ensures we are able to optimally implement best practices for those living with dementia, as well as assisting their families.

Studies have shown that those living with cognitive impairment can rapidly decline as soon as they move into an institutional care setting. Part of the reason for this is that institutions depersonalize the individual, and their care needs become a task on someone’s list for the day. Well-meaning staff in that setting are efficient and want to speed up the process of care, typically taking over the tasks and doing everything for their client rather than helping them be independent. As a result, people may lose the ability to take care of themselves, others, and even their pets. Without these productive daily activities, they lose a sense of purpose and may decline very quickly.

At Bergen Gardens, we support our citizens, regardless of their care needs, to help them keep up their daily routines from home if they are physically able to and if it still brings meaning and purpose into their life. We work with our citizens to carry out these tasks at a time of their choosing rather than what is convenient for us. Some examples of tasks we assist with include: Cooking meals, assisting with laundry, cleaning their own suite, interacting with others in the community, participating in leisure offerings, caring for a pet, and much more.

Special care is taken to ensure that all Care Partners and those living at Bergen Gardens—whether it’s a spa worker, fitness assistant, or a next-door neighbour—are educated and get comfortable with how to accommodate or assist should a challenging situation arise. As a dementia-friendly community, we understand that all behaviour has meaning, and when we know people really well, we are able to adapt our responses to meet their needs at every level.

Leaving Safe Environment: Transitioning to Memory Care

At Bergen Gardens, we make sure that people are safe even when they lose focus on their tasks at hand, whether that’s going for a walk or feeding a pet.

Over time, a person with dementia may have trouble problem-solving, communicating, and recognizing their surroundings. As a result, they are at risk of becoming lost, even in familiar places. We understand that all behaviour has meaning, and sometimes a person starts out on a journey to a place they have in mind, leaving their home suite. Our responsibility in such a situation is to ensure their safety, and if they need to make that journey, we support them by getting them where they want to go and then back to their suite safely. The wayfinding and navigation of Bergen Gardens have been designed with that practice in mind, providing pathway endpoints and features to help the person pause and find things of interest.

At Bergen Gardens, we have several systems in place to keep residents and staff safe.

While there will be the use of technology and wristbands that trigger alarm notifications to Care Partners in particular areas of Bergen Gardens, our citizens will also have the opportunity to enroll in the Safely Home program. This program is endorsed nationally by the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. The program assists in helping to identify a person with dementia who is lost in the greater community and ensuring they are returned home safely in a timely manner. Being proactive, all Care Partners at Bergen Gardens are also specially trained in the proper steps to follow to locate missing elders.