By Sara Browning
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| Reflections Memory Care Community opened on May 1, 2014. Located at 1280 Independence Ct. Washington, IL 61571 |
Providing a home-like environment offering holistic treatment and a positive atmosphere, Reflections Memory Care’s specially-trained staff and exclusive activity program encourages residents to function at their highest capability.
With the decision to build Reflections Memory Care just across the pond from the Villas of Holly Brook in Washington, Illinois, came a state-of-the-art facility designed to offer an increased quality of life and professional care for individuals living with memory loss.
“We are a special care community geared toward providing focused treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients,” says Melanie Wheeler, executive director of Reflections Memory Care with 23 years of experience working with residents who live with memory loss. “Prior to the opening of our facility, the Washington community had nothing like this available. Alzheimer’s and dementia is becoming much more prominent, and facilities such as ours are becoming increasingly important.”
Reflections Memory Care held its Open House on April 12, 2014, and received its first two residents on May 1. Today, the care community houses 15 residents.
“Our beautiful new facility — from its interior design to its qualified staff — is resident-focused,” says Melanie. “Our services take a person-centered approach, helping our residents enjoy their golden years.”
Finding Comfort in Design
Unlike most memory loss facilities, Reflections Memory Care is based on a home-like social model rather than a medical model, resembling a four-star hotel rather than a nursing home. Through the doors leading from the brightly furnished lobby into one of two secured resident wings, plush chairs and a sofa surround a fireplace in a living room area, providing the perfect ambiance for a quiet family gathering.
In another section of the room, a large, saltwater fish tank bubbles soothingly. Opposite the fish tank, a “therapeutic kitchen” featuring appliances, a breakfast bar and an array of tables and chairs encourages socialization while allowing residents to practice baking, cooking and performing many of the activities they were accustomed to at home. At the far end of the wing, an indoor deck with twin rocking chairs creates a “backyard porch” setting, instilling a sense of familiarity and safety.
“Reflections is designed to channel positive behaviors in our residents and remind them of the everyday life they knew before arriving here. These ‘reflections’ help them feel safe and happy,” says Melanie.
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| Our family rooms offer plenty of sunshine and cozy atmosphere to enjoy the morning news or a classic movie after dinner. |
Focused on You!
Reflections Memory Care pampers residents with every possible accommodation they may desire. Private and shared resident rooms are designed according to the level of care residents require. Level I residents receive assistance with activities of daily living, medications, and reminders to engage in social events. Level II residents receive more intense one-on-one assistance with daily living activities. Residents at this level are monitored consistently.
“Most facilities,” says Melanie, “fit residents into a certain schedule or routine. But at Reflections, we meet residents where they are. For example, some of our residents sleep all day and are up at night, so our staff provides activities during those late-night hours.”
Reflections offers a combination of flexible services tailored to each individual. Fitness and exercise classes in the form of stretching, balancing, and walking encourage residents to keep their muscles active. After a good workout, a spa and sensory room provide the perfect place to relax and unwind. A full-service salon and barbershop can help residents look their best for a special meal with family and friends in the dining room. The dining program is centered on residents’ special dietary needs and encompasses three nutritious meals designed by culinary associates and registered dieticians who specialize in dementia care.
Reflections also encourages family involvement through its Family Communications services. “Dementia is a disease that affects the entire family,” Melanie explains. “The family deals with a whole range of emotions. We do all we can to partner with families and involve them in their loved one’s plan of care.”
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| The open concept centered around a therapy kitchen makes it feel just like home! |
Happy, Active, and Engaged
Reflections’ Joyful Moments Person-Centered Care Program encompasses activities to help maintain each resident’s skills and abilities while providing residents with daily routines and social interaction. Activities enrich residents’ lives with art and music, crafts and puzzles, dancing, singing, horticulture, and social outings.
“Our activities channel behaviors into something positive and provide an environment that minimizes the unhealthy effects of the disease process. While abilities may diminish, our residents’ desires to succeed do not. Our ability-focused activities allow the residents success while emphasizing their strengths and maintaining their dignity,” she explains.
In Capable Hands
Staff plays an important role at Reflections Memory Care. Most staff have several years of experience working with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
“Our staff takes a personal interest in each resident and knows their life stories, likes and dislikes. In knowing this, our staff can create a holistic care plan for each resident focused on treating the entire self: mind, body, and spirit.”
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| Our front porch design with rocking chairs, offers conversation and relaxation. |
Staff members undergo an intense training program where they are taught to use specialized tactics to help dementia residents. “Our staff provide support for everything we do here,” says Melanie, noting: “They provide around-the-clock nursing care with a 24-hour medical alert system. For our residents, our staff become like family. We want to connect with our residents in that special moment they need us the most and make every moment a meaningful one.”
For more information on Reflections Memory Care, call Melanie Wheeler at 309-508-7200 or email Melanie at melanie@villasofhollybrook.com to arrange a tour or place a reservation for an in-house assessment of your loved one. Short-stay and respite programs are also available.