Life at SeniorCare Homes

The staff at SeniorCare Homes is specially trained to assist residents living with Alzheimer’s. We’ve developed an innovative memory care philosophy to enhance the lives of all our residents by making each day meaningful, fulfilling, and endowed with familiarity and a deep sense of belonging.

Each of our residences is limited to 5 to 8 people. This enables us to provide the most individualized care, focusing on memory related activities that stimulate the brain and encourage independence and participation in daily life around the house. Friendships and conversation flow naturally in the absence of large crowds, long hallways and noisy dining areas.

Key features of SeniorCare Homes for Alzheimer’s Care

• Real wood floors to make getting around easy (smooth transitions from carpet to hard wood, even in bedrooms)
• Licensed caregiver in residence 24/7
• Nurses in homes and available on-call 24/7
• Private bedrooms & bathrooms available
• Bathrooms equipped with safety grab bars and easy-access showers
• Detailed knowledge of each patient’s needs and routine
• Understanding that independence for as long as possible instills dignity
• Dedicated vehicles for outings into Johnson County
• iPad for Alzheimer’s activities and games
• Real home setting with snacks for visitors
• Dog visits from Pets for Life

SeniorCare Homes works closely with the Alzheimer’s Association which offers support groups, an educational library and other services, such as Memories in the Making, a weekly program all residents can join free of charge. SeniorCare Homes is a designated provider of this inspiring program with five certified instructors on staff.

Disease Progression
Life can become difficult in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. SeniorCare Homes are equipped to deal with all stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia while ensuring that individuals continue to feel a sense of belonging and purpose both physically and mentally.

End of Life Care
There’s nothing more difficult for family members than to move their loved one from a warm, familiar environment where they’re surrounded by recognizable caregivers to an unfamiliar hospital setting when the end of life is near.

Our Care Specialists are trained to deal with late stage disease and end of life care. We’re incredibly proud of how our caregivers work to create a calm, loving almost magical setting for everyone when the time comes to say goodbye. We use hospice support and have doctors on-call 24/7 to provide a continuum of care. SeniorCare Homes gives you peace of mind knowing your loved one may never have to leave home in their final days.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
No two patients experience Alzheimer’s the same way. The progression and rate of decline varies greatly and quality of life can deteriorate quickly. SeniorCare Homes follows the Alzheimer’s Association’s 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, based on a system developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D., clinical director of the New York University School of Medicine’s Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center.

1. No impairment (normal function)
   Person may not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia.
2. Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease)
   Person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, and may forget familiar words or the location of everyday objects. The symptoms of dementia may not be detected during a medical examination or by friends, family or co-workers.
3. Mild cognitive decline (early-stage Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed in some, but not all)
   Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Person may notice trouble finding words, remembering names, losing items, and have trouble with organization or planning.
4. Moderate cognitive decline (mild or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease)
   At this point, a careful medical interview should be able to detect clear-cut symptoms in several areas including: forgetfulness, impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic, difficulty performing complex tasks such as paying bills or managing finances, moody or distant behavior, and forgetfulness with own personal history.
5. Moderately severe cognitive decline (moderate or mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease)
   Gaps in memory and thinking are noticeable, and individual needs some help with day-to-day activities. At this stage, the person may be unable to recall their own address or telephone number, become confused with where they are or what day it is, and have trouble with simple mental arithmetic or knowing how to dress themselves. But they are still able to recall significant details about their life and feed themself.
6. Severe cognitive decline (moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease)
   Memory continues to worsen, and individuals need extensive help with daily activities such as dressing and personal hygiene. Personality and behavior changes may be present including paranoia, anxiety, agitation, and delusions. Patients may also become restless, have difficulty sleeping, and may not realize incontinence of the bowel or bladder.
7. Very severe cognitive decline (severe or late-stage Alzheimer’s disease)
   In the final stage of the disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation or control movement. They may still say words or phrases but will need extensive or total assistance performing personal hygiene and eating. As reflexes become abnormal and muscles go rigid, patients may have trouble swallowing.