Continuum of Care: Personalized Support at Every Stage
- Julie Montoya-Huston
- Apr 6, 2021
- 2 min read
The progressive declines associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia demand a holistic, personalized approach to full-time care. Each person diagnosed with dementia will experience their own set of challenges through every stage of the disease — a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and physical effects as unique as each individual.
ComfortCare Homes’ services are designed to deliver customized attention and a consistent, compassionate pathway through all stages of the disease. This specialized care can be difficult to find.
“In many assisted living and nursing homes, memory care is either integrated into various areas of the facility or is organized as a smaller unit sharing staff among the entire caregiving team,” says Robert Miller.
“Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia requires specific practices that aren’t always widely taught in most senior care facilities. Because we’ve specialized in dementia care since our founding, we understand the best care practices at every stage.”
ComfortCare Homes’ complete continuum of care starts with helping to coordinate full-time care in beautifully designed ComfortCare residential home environments.
Early Stages – Comfort Keepers In-Home Care
The early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be similar to normal memory lapses and forgetfulness associated with aging. If a loved one is diagnosed with dementia early, families may choose to provide care at home, while the effects of the disease are still manageable.
“If families aren’t quite ready to place a loved one in full-time care, our sister organization Comfort Keepers, provides professional in-home care,” says Miller. ComfortCare Homes and Comfort Keepers share more than a similar name — they are partner organizations both owned by Doug Stark.
Comfort Keepers follows the person-centered care philosophy of ComfortCare Homes, with specially trained staff providing medication reminders, respite care, and specialty care for those dealing with Alzheimer’s.
Middle Stages — ComfortCare Home Residences
When it’s time for full-time care, ComfortCare Homes’ residences provide a welcoming transition for both residents and loved ones. These residences are not just home-like, they are actual homes built or remodeled with intentional design elements
“We believe that where you live can impact how you live, and this is particularly true for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our residences are designed for easy navigation, safety, and emotional and physical comfort along with in-home 24/7 professional care,” says Miller.
When a resident moves to a ComfortCare Home, a nurse evaluates each person’s cognitive capacity, physical needs, and social and community needs. Then, individuals are placed in the most appropriate home promoting personalized care and comfort. With round-the-clock caregivers and limited occupancy in each home, staff members continually monitor residents’ health and can easily recognize changes in the progression of the disease.
