A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can send a family into a tailspin. Beyond the emotions of having a loved one who is living with a progressive cognitive disease, there is also the responsibility of planning for current and future care. Though there have been significant positive changes in dementia care across the country, there is not always a good choice for older adults who have dementia but are still independent enough to live in an assisted living environment.
At Arbor Terrace of Athens, our Hedges neighborhood provides an innovative solution. Residents are able to enjoy the support of friendly caregivers who provide a helping hand with household tasks while participating in engaging cognitive and social programs designed for the early stages of dementia.
More About the Hedges Neighborhood
For more than 30 years, The Arbor Company has been dedicated to serving seniors across the country. Our experts have been especially devoted to finding innovative ways to provide personalized interventions for older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The Hedges neighborhood is our answer to providing engaging and dignified socialization in a less-stimulating environment that is ideal for those who are living through the early stages of cognitive decline.
The Hedges neighborhood is designed to incorporate a variety of health and wellness interventions that will provide peace of mind to families as well as even better care for residents.
Eliminating Caregiver Burnout
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, family caregivers are vulnerable to caregiver burnout, a phenomenon that can cause emotional, mental, and physical health problems. Caregivers can have a lower immune system, increased symptoms of depression or anxiety, a higher incidence of heart disease, and other significant complications. Caregivers who are caring for older adults living with dementia can experience caregiver burnout symptoms even more quickly than their peers.
At the Hedges neighborhood, residents receive a safe place to call home with the benefit of caregivers who are ready to help round the clock as needed or wanted. Family caregivers are no longer the primary caregivers and can return to just being family members again. Further, family members can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the peace of mind that Arbor Terrace provides.
Even Better Care
Thanks to the highly specialized Hedges neighborhood, residents enjoy even better quality of care. Our caregivers who serve residents in the Hedges neighborhood are specially trained in dementia, the progression of the disease, and best practices for early stage interventions. Thanks to this additional training, our team is able to provide assistance while still ensuring residents have choices at every turn and are empowered to find ways to cope with their early stage memory loss.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Perhaps the most difficult part of the early stages of dementia is that the senior understands they are forgetting. This understanding can lead to increased feelings of depression or anxiety, as well as isolation from their peers. Unfortunately, further isolation only leads to more complications including more rapid cognitive decline.
In the Hedges neighborhood, residents can enjoy social programs that offer the opportunity to connect with their peers in a setting designed for their success. We limit excess stimulation and focus on peer support, creating connections that increase quality of life and feelings of belonging.
Beyond our engaging events, residents also enjoy socialization over delicious meals. Our award-winning Dining with Dignity® program ensures that we can meet any challenges in order to provide all residents with a positive dining experience.
Next Steps
It is wise to plan for senior living prior to a safety or health crisis. When you are searching for senior living that caters to early stage Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, you can make the most of your search by empowering yourself with the right questions to ask and observations to make during your tours. Download our free guide, “Finding a Safe and Comfortable Senior Living Community” to get started.
The Hedges neighborhood is the ideal solution for those living with early stage cognitive decline. Specially trained staff, personalized interventions, and a focus on socially engaging programs create an environment designed for success, and that is safer and more stimulating than living at home alone.
We would love to show you the Hedges neighborhood in action. Call our team to schedule your tour today.
