State Regulation Compliance

State regulations establish a standard of care you and your family can check for when touring communities. These regulations cover a wide range of critical topics, including staff training, fire safety protocols and required care services.

Standard services you'll see when researching dementia care include:

• Around-the-clock staffing
• Medication management
• Wellness programming
• Housekeeping and meals
• Personal care assistance

The Colorado State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides the public with each memory care community's record of compliance with state regulations.

Personalized Care Plans

Memory care communities develop a personalized care plan for each resident. Since dementia affects each person differently, customizing care is crucial to ensure a resident's needs and preferences are taken into consideration.

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland, our staff is carefully trained in issues unique to dementia, such as sundowning syndrome and wandering behaviors. We tailor our approach to suit our residents' personalities and engage them in a manner they find comforting. We also strive to create a soothing, homelike environment to foster a sense of calm and safety.

As residents' needs change over time, their plans are updated accordingly. Care services include managing medications, monitoring chronic conditions and supervision by a licensed nurse. We provide regular health assessments to help catch potential issues early, and our nutrition team prepares from-scratch meals each day to encourage healthy appetites.

Comforting Routines

Dementia can cause a person to feel stressed, confused and anxious. However, following a routine can help give an individual experiencing memory issues a sense of familiarity with their surroundings.

Establishing routines that staff members can use to guide residents through each day is a hallmark of memory care programming. Mealtimes, activities and bedtimes follow a set pattern each day, making it easier for an individual to transition between activities.

These routines can help increase a resident's peace of mind by letting them know what to expect on a day-to-day basis. Following a repeated schedule can also give them a greater sense of control and help them maintain a level of independence.

Additionally, the building and grounds may feature gentle cues, such as signs and pictures, to help guide residents to different destinations.

Security and Safety

Wandering and anxious behaviors often occur among individuals with memory issues. Secured dementia communities help improve safety for residents by preventing them from exiting the grounds without the knowledge of staff or trusted friends and family members.

Inside these communities, residents can move around freely, allowing them to interact with staff and their peers at their leisure. Select doors remain unlocked and lead to outdoor gardens and paths where they can walk or sit and relax in the fresh air. Typically, these outdoor recreation areas are located within an enclosed courtyard or a fenced area for security.

Wellness Programming

Wellness programming is a central focus of dementia care. Communities offer music, art and other mentally stimulating therapies and activities to slow the progression of symptoms. You'll often see trivia and other word games, arts and crafts and educational discussions listed on communities' monthly event calendars.

Exercise programs might include chair yoga and gentle stretching. Activity directors may use dance and games, such as balloon volleyball, to make physical activity engaging and enjoyable for residents.

Faith-based communities, such as Bethesda Gardens Loveland, often have an onsite chaplain and offer worship services, communion, hymn sing-alongs and Bible studies to meet residents' spiritual needs. For seniors of faith, spiritual activities help reinforce their identity and personal convictions and provide a sense of community and belonging.

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