The Memory Enhancement Program
The Memory Enhancement Program (MEP) was developed for assisted living communities who have residents who are experiencing mild memory loss. These residents are often “lost” in the community and become very distressed when they can not find their room, can’t remember meal times, may not feel comfortable attending activity programs, because they forget what they are suppose to do during the activity. Often residents with mild memory loss sit in the lobby or are isolated in their rooms and receive little stimulation. Without some cognitive stimulation, residents with mild memory loss become even more confused and may need to be transitioned to a nursing facility or to the dementia unit in their community.
I designed the MEP based on research that shows how to improve memory and delay the progression of memory loss. Although I do not have hard data on residents who participate in the MEP, reports from staff and families tell of residents being more verbal, more alert, and generally happier when they participate in the program. The MEP is a seven day a week activity based program paid for by families as an additional cost. The additional revenue compensates staff and pays for supplies. Depending on the number of participants, the MEP may produce a profit. The program has also received positive comments from oriented residents who do not appreciate attending programs with residents who have memory loss problems and may decide that the bingo chip is a cookie!
Many assisted living communities face census challenges and find that the MEP helps them keep residents in their community longer because they have a place to go during most of their waking hours. With a staff person that is observing them most of the day, the MEP has lowered the number of falls experienced by residents with mild dementia. The MEP also provides assisted living communities with a new program to offer in a very competitive marketplace.
Some buildings have discovered that they have enough residents with mild memory loss to create another special dementia unit or wing. It can be more of a transitional program that is especially helpful for working with families who deny that anything is wrong with their loved one.
For more information regarding the MEP, please e-mail me at joycesimard@earthlink.net