Ashton Manor Assisted Living and Memory Care became the only such center in Louisiana to receive the Dementia Care Specialists’ Distinguished Provider Award.
Each team member at Luling’s Ashton Manor is specially trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and the community’s individualized programs are designed to enable each resident to function at the highest possible level.
“We believe that the best way to help people at every stage of the disease is to build abilities-based, person-centered care around understanding what someone’s life was like in order to make their life better,” David Schonberg, owner of Ashton Manor, said.
Schonberg said the memory care director and activities director compile a list of interests and use this information to design an activity calendar that incorporates those interests into each resident’s daily routine.
Some of the activities offered include trivia, chess, cards with friends, porch talk, craft time, old movie night and a game where residents find clues that lead them to hidden treasure. Some activities coincide with certain days of the week, such as on Friday the 13th when residents discuss superstitions.
“For residents with unique interests, the memory care director and activities director provide specialized care plans and activity kits that care partners can use to engage the resident in one-on-one activities,” Schonberg said. “Team leaders and care partners receive training in how to engage and lead residents in group and individual activities so that there is always someone with the skills needed to engage the residents in personally meaningful activities of their choice.”
All employees at Ashton Manor are required to attend an eight-hour training course within the first 30 days of their hire to ensure they can use appropriate techniques to care for residents with dementia. During the first 12 months of the dementia-training program, Ashton Manor’s management team received an additional 1,100 combined hours of training.
“Every employee dedicated him or herself to learning about Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and attended hours of training so they could implement their new knowledge,” Schonberg said. “They are passionate about providing outstanding care to our Alzheimer’s and dementia care residents, and I feel like receiving this award is a reflection of my team’s hard work and dedication.”
The Dementia Care Specialists’ Distinguished Provider Award is given to memory care communities that excel in resident care, specifically at helping their residents enjoy the greatest level of function, safety and quality of life.
Dementia Care Specialists President and Founder Kim Warchol presented the award, calling it a seal of approval from industry leaders.
More than five million Americans are living with dementia, and it’s projected that almost 15 million will be affected by 2050.
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