Medical Specialties

ALZHEIMER’S CARE/DEMENTIA CARE

A female doctor takes the blood pressure of a male resident

CommuniCare specializes in caring for residents who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or memory impairment. We understand that these medical conditions can be difficult and emotionally trying for both our guests and their family members. For this reason, it is important to be cared for by those who understand the needs of each resident and the complexities of these illnesses. Our clinical services that are designed to meet these needs fall under our Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care programs.

These programs focus on reconnecting each individual to who they are and to the lifetime of memories and experiences they have created and have been a part. In order to be successful, we strive to make our residents feel at home. Residents are encouraged to personalize their suites, and families are welcome to visit at all hours of the day. Our staff uses visual and verbal cues, around the clock, to gently remind residents of their surroundings. In addition, therapeutic recreation, leisure activities and grooming skills aid each resident in remaining as independent as possible.

Sample Activities:

  • One-on-one conversations and/or interactions
  • Helping residents make their beds, dust their rooms, put away clothes, take a bath or shower, or any other routine maintenance of one’s household or self.
  • Setting tables for meals and cleaning tables after meals
  • Going for a walk, watering plants, reading, making crafts, engaging in group activities, etc.
  • Celebrating birthdays, holidays, cultural events, etc.

Additional Program Components

  • Meals served more often, including a variety of foods prepared to meet individual needs
  • Activities that involve one-on-one interactions, group programs or the privacy of doing ‘their own thing’ to meet all goals
  • Assessments of the resident’s cognitive abilities and the level of activity that would be most successful for each resident
  • Therapeutic sensory group activities

Wound Care

Our team members treat residents with the sensitivity and care necessary for those requiring wound care. We understand there is an emotional side of healing, especially with regard to wounds that have resisted healing after months or even years of traditional treatment. Our staff members and wound care specialists have developed a focused program for our residents, which includes wound healing, resident comfort, interdisciplinary treatment and education.

Types of Wounds and Ulcers Treated

  • Diabetic
  • Venous Stasis
  • Pressure
  • Collagen Vascular Disease
  • Decubitus Ulcers (Pressure Sores)
  • Arterial Ulcers
  • Post-Operative Wounds
  • Infected Wounds
  • Any Other Wounds that Resist Healing

Program Features:

  • 24-hour nursing care with staff trained in wound and skin management
  • Physician involvement and support
  • Registered dietician involvement
  • Physical and occupational therapies
  • Weekly interdisciplinary wound rounds
  • Consultations with community-based wound centers, when appropriate
  • Resident and family education and support
  • Continuous assessment and evaluation of treatment
  • In addition to traditional treatment options, we offer many innovative techniques and treatment, monitored by experienced staff

Hospice Care

When it’s clear that an individual is approaching the end-of-life, we provide hospice care for patients and families who choose this service. Hospice care is designed, equipped and staffed to help patients and families address end-of-life questions, while providing the medical, psychological and spiritual support necessary to progress through an emotionally trying time, full of difficult decisions. We recognize every moment is precious and work to provide peace, comfort and dignity, while helping patients manage pain and other symptoms in the best ways possible.

Respite Care

Many of our locations provide respite care for caregivers who may need a vacation or simply some time away from the role of caregiver. Our program gives family members time off so they can resume giving care, feeling refreshed and rested. It’s a well-deserved vacation. You are welcome to call and arrange dates through our admissions department when needed, and we will work with you to accommodate your schedule.

Palliative Care

Of all the symptoms associated with the treatment of chronic disease and disability, pain is perhaps the most individualized. We are extremely attentive during this treatment, because all individuals have different pain tolerance levels, and every individual experiences/copes with pain in unique ways. CommuniCare is sensitive to these differences. Our focus on individualized care gives us an advantage in providing palliative care in each of our skilled nursing centers. Our care teams provide relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illness, while helping residents learn to manage these symptoms in a caring and understanding way.

Symptoms treated may include the following:

  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Shortness of Breath