3 minute read
Keeping Memories Alive
By Angie Johnson-Schmit
Memory Care at Touchmark at the Ranch.
- Senator John Hoeven
People with memory challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia often benefit from a living situation that can provide additional supports. Touchmark at The Ranch in Prescott, Arizona is expanding their services for these individuals with a 45,000 square foot addition dedicated to memory care. Committed to person-centered, relationship-based care, Touchmark is also integrating some common technologies to provide additional support and enrichment to their memory care residents.
The addition will consist of two levels, with the first floor providing a secured environment and the second floor geared toward residents who don’t require a secured setting but would benefit from more structure. Both floors are subdivided into two smaller communities, or “neighborhoods.” The planned memory care addition will result in a total of 64 new homes.
Touchmark at The Ranch prefers the neighborhood model to provide a more focused level of care while allowing residents to easily participate in group activities. They have used this model for over 15 years and found that the combination of personal homes built around community spaces work well for residents dealing with memory challenges.
Photos courtesy of Touchmark at the Ranch
Technology is a part of people’s lifestyle, even for those living with memory loss.
As part of their full-sensory engagement approach, Touchmark at The Ranch is incorporating the use of 70inch smart board touch screens into their Life Enrichment/Wellness activities. These smart boards provide an interactive and engaging way to play games, watch music, or have fun with trivia.
Another use of technology for memory care includes easy access to pre-loaded iPods. These iPods may have a playlist of favorite songs, musicians or genres of music and are available for residents to use whenever they wish. It is a simple technology integration that can have a big impact on the mental and emotional well-being of memory care residents.
The benefits of using music to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia related memory loss have been well-documented. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” The Mayo Clinic also points out that benefits of using music for those with memory issues include stress relief, reducing anxiety and depression and decreasing agitation.
For the construction of the new memory care housing, Touchmark is keeping up to date by following strict guidelines for insulation, the use of Energy Star appliances, and a state-of-the-art VRF HVAC system. There will be a wireless emergency call system in each resident’s home so that residents can easily call for and receive help.
With an eye to fire safety, the building will also be equipped with a “defend in place” fire suppression system. This will allow residents to remain where they are if a fire alarm triggers, giving staff the opportunity to assist residents in safely exiting the building if needed. Construction of the memory care addition is expected to be complete sometime in early 2022. The project is expected to create over 200 construction jobs and will add approximately 30 staff positions when it is open.
Technology has a role to play in elder care, especially for those who have memory challenges. Touchmark at The Ranch focuses on building relationships, working under the ethos that the most effective way to help with memory loss is to create real and memorable moments between people. Technology supports are incorporated where appropriate to help their residents stay connected to their memories.
