Our Approach to Memory Care

The transition to memory care can be one of the most difficult decisions a family makes. Seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may be most comfortable in our assisted living community, which offers autonomy and independence backed by a strong safety net of care.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, our memory care community offers an advanced level of care, with supervision and monitoring available 24 hours a day. As a faith-based organization, we value service above all else, which means our compassionate team is here to serve our residents and their families with the transition.

Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach™

Teepa Snow is one of the country’s leading educators on Alzheimer’s and dementia, and Bethesda Gardens Monument provides her care strategies in our community. Teepa Snow’s trademark Positive Approach™ focuses on interpersonal relationships with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The basis for Positive Approach™ care philosophy includes awareness, knowledge, skills and competence. Where most education models focus on facts and information (the “what” of Alzheimer’s and dementia), Teepa Snow’s strategy focuses on the “how” — the best ways to interact with someone with a changing brain. She has developed techniques and hands-on skills based around visual, auditory and tactile communication.

Certified Training for Our Team Members

Certified trainers from our organization have personally worked with Teepa Snow and are well-versed in her approach. We also make significant investments to train all of our team members so that everyone who works with our memory-impaired residents — from our caregivers and housekeepers to our dining team and maintenance members — are able to adapt their care to your loved one as they travel through this journey.

We recognize that with Alzheimer’s and dementia, care needs change from day to day. Often, a person with dementia is “doing the best they can,” and if something isn’t working, it is the responsibility of the caregiver to change their approach. Our goal is always to maintain and improve the quality of life for everyone — our residents and their families.

Alternative Therapies

To help manage anxiety, wandering, sundowner’s syndrome, and other behaviors, Bethesda Gardens Monument also incorporate numerous alternative therapies, including:

• Warm lavender hand and face washes in the evenings to calm before bedtime
• Pet therapy for residents who wander
• Multi-sensory soothing sounds, low lighting, scents, and water features to calm and relax
• Musical performances and resident sing-alongs to connect through songs they’ve known for decades
• Scenic drives and outings

Additionally, Bethesda Gardens Monument offers a variety of enriching activities, life-skill areas, social settings, and wellness programs specifically designed to care for and support individuals with dementia and their families.