Vitalize™ Memory Care

Examples include:

• We believe that thoughtful and intentional design practices such as neutral, non-textured flooring choices and furniture placement can be important elements to give residents a sense of calm and confidence to pursue appropriate freedoms to explore, be curious, and to learn something new.
• We work with communities to ensure proper lighting to assist with symptoms of “sundowning”, anxiety and agitation.
• Communities are designed with special features such as sensory stations, 4D textured art, and electronic memory boxes to help residents engage in purposeful activities that stimulate the senses and cue memories. These also help other members of the community start conversations with residents that honor their pasts.

We know that working with residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other forms of memory loss requires a unique skillset and specialized training. 

• We work with Human Resources and communities to ensure interviewing and hiring practices are in place and include mission-based and situational-based questions to ensure candidates are qualified.
• Our training calendar includes an aggressive target that exceeds industry standards and sets our communities and employees apart. Training has a special emphasis on patient communication strategies, behavior management, engagement, and emotional connections. 
• Certus Living believes in investing in employees as professionals and setting the bar high. We foster an environment of mutual respect where employees know that they make a difference and are critical to the success of the organization. Most of all, employees know that they are the front line to residents and ensuring they thrive.

Certus Living works with communities to foster relationships with local community organizations such as libraries, churches, police and fire and more. These relationships are mutually beneficial by offering training to those who come into contact with community members affected by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory loss to communicate effectively and keep people safe. These relationships also raise awareness and comfort, knowing Certus Living communities are a safe resource in times of need.

Our communities can conduct and host special training in the community, providing support and an information hub.

We know that dining can be a challenge for residents affected by memory loss. We work with communities to ensure residents receive help eating when needed, that food consistency is thoughtful to prevent choking, and that offerings are nutritious and rich in calories to combat weight loss.

• Vitalize offers homelike dining rooms that are both pleasant to be in and include thoughtful features such as nearby food preparation stations so residents can enjoy the smells of foods. Vitalize dining seeks to elicit memories and provide comfort.
• We use red and blue plates, comfort foods, delicious desserts and foods that can be easily eaten to encourage residents to eat and to do so independently.
• We offer readily available snacks that are easily eaten, many without the need for utensils, so residents can eat regularly.
• We provide ample hydration stations that encourage residents to drink regularly.
• In order to preserve dignity, we encourage the use of scarves, where safe, versus bibs.

We believe that it is imperative that our communities know each resident they serve—understanding each resident’s social history, their career and family, passions, what they loved, who is important to them, and more to find creative ways to connect and bring those stories and joy into the residents’ days.