Transcription:
Life at Maple Grove Memory Care

Melanie Cole (Host): Welcome to Say Yes to Good Health with Memorial Hospital. I'm Melanie Cole, and I invite you to join us as we discuss life at Maple Grove Memory Care. Joining me is Kristen Doyle. She's a Registered Nurse and the Director of Nursing at Hancock Village. Kristen, I'm so glad to have you with us today. Tell us a little bit about Hancock Village and Maple Grove Memory Care specifically. What is Tell us about this place.

Kristen Doyle, RN (Guest): Sure thank you. So our campus, we call it Hancock Village. We have Hickory Groove and Maple Grove. Our Maple Grove is separated into two buildings. And it's specifically for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. So, each building has just 10 rooms. It's what we call a small house concept. So, just a small number of residents with a small staff.

Host: So, really it's a living option for those who have dementia or other, some other type of cognitive impairment. Yes. Tell what that means.

Kristen: So a lot of people, as they get older, they start getting forgetful. And some of that can be natural aging, but it's not natural to have the amount of forgetfulness that you get with dementia and the behavior differences. So, it comes to a point that they can't stay home anymore. It's not safe for the person, themselves. It's not safe for their families. It's stressful for the families. So, at that point, they have to decide what they, where they can go. So, you have nursing homes and then you have us. We're specifically made for memory care. So, it's more of an individualized care than you would see at like a nursing home.

Host: Well, thank you for clearing that up. So, who would be a good fit for Maple Grove Memory Care as families are looking at nursing homes and assisted living and all the different levels of memory care that are available today. Tell us a little bit about who would fit in well at Maple Grove.

Kristen: Sure. So we take people at any part of the Alzheimer's process. So, I like to think of Alzheimer's in three stages or dementia in three stages. There's the early stage when they're starting to get forgetful, the middle stage, when they start having behaviors, they are wandering a lot, they start to forget family. And the third stage, when they can't walk, they can't talk. They're not feeding themselves. So, oftentimes when our residents are looking for a place to go, it's in that middle stage, when they start wandering, they're not safe anymore. So that's what you see, but our goal is always to keep them until the end of life. And usually once they hit that last stage of dementia, then they're getting close to the end of their life.

Host: Wow. It's quite a journey for families and for these patients to go through. So, tell us about any cutting edge technology that you have, that's been implemented to provide quality experiences to those living at Maple Grove.

Yeah. So our goal is to find the newest way of taking care of people with dementia. So, a couple of things that we've done is we have two rooms of our buildings. We call them multi-sensory rooms. One specifically for cognitive stimulation. So, this comes into play when you have somebody that's really withdrawn and just to them, isn't, isn't stimulating them anymore.

So they can go into this room and there's different things they can do with their hands. There's different smells, there's different lights. So, our goal is to stimulate all of those different senses. And then we have our low stimulus room. So, oftentimes when you have somebody with dementia, they get very upset, very easily. So, you have this little stimulus room where they can just go in there and they can just relax. It's very calming and it really helps deescalate some of those behaviors see with dementia.

So that's great that you have all of these different options. Now you mentioned when I asked you the first question about the small house concept, can you expand a little bit on that cause I don't know what that is?

Kristen: Yes. So small concept, it's this newer way of thinking of how to take care of those with dementia. It's, we're the first of its kind in Illinois. So it's ,a small house, again, just 10 residents in each building. The, it's a circle so they can wander all that they want and it's safe. They, they can go to their room, they can wander into the dining room, living room. And then they have a little display case outside of their room that has that are very familiar to them. So they can wonder around, they'll see this item and know that that's their room.

Host: That's so cool. What a unique idea. So, tell how that small house concept, great idea, can that sets Maple Grove apart from other living options.

Kristen: I think again, if you look at a nursing home, it's very hard to take care of people with dementia because they wander, they get into things that aren't safe for them. They can get upset really easily. So, when you look here and it's only people with dementia, with staff that's specifically trained to take care of those with dementia, you have this safe, loving home where they're able to be independent and it promotes dignity, self -respect. It really is a option for memory care.

Host: So now I'd like you to tell us about the staff, because that is really, really where the crux of it is because you guys have to be just such hard working compassionate to really spend this time these patients, and say feel, you know, that there's dignity. And tell us a little bit about the staffing structure and how that encourages this individualized care for residents.

Kristen: Sure. Yeah. So we have CNAs during the day, one at night, a nurse that oversees the building during the day and on call on the weekends. So, this staff, they are this amazing group of people that have a true love and compassion for people with dementia. So it's people, they get 12 hours of training of Alzheimer's specific care a year, plus before they come on, they get four hours of listening to videos, listening to me talk about dementia. Spending time with the residents, getting to know who they were before the dementia, who they are now. So, it's created this environment of people, you know, they come into work residents are so excited to see them. They might not remember their names, but they know exactly who they are. They go up, give them a hug. It's truly a family.

Host: Wow. really very special. And now can you tell the listeners, you've mentioned dementia, mentioned Alzheimer's, heard about cognitive impairment. Is this normal part of aging? Can tell about how these are defined and how you Maple these things so that can, you know, put the in the proper level of care?

Kristen: Yeah. So dementia or Alzheimer's, it is not a normal part of aging. And that is a misconception. Dementia is an umbrella term and there's all kinds of different kinds of dementia. Alzheimer's happens to be one of them, and the most recognizable, I think. When you're looking at somebody as they age, if they start to become forgetful, they start having behavioral changes, and they start decreasing in their social abilities, then we realize that's not normal aging. They have some form of dementia. Um It's hard to tell exactly what kind of dementia they have, but they all progress in a similar fashion. So that is what we're looking for when somebody comes in, we have what's called a SLUMS exam that goes through what we call orientation questions.

So what day is it? What time of is it? Who's the president, stuff like that? And when you get a score on that SLUMS exam, if you have dementia or if it's just a normal aging.

Host: So those are different though. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Those different things, right?

Kristen: They are. So, dementia is this umbrella term for all kinds of cognitive impairments that come with the older adults. Alzheimer's is just one kind and the most common. There's also there's Huntington's disease. There's Parkinson's disease that has a dementia that, there's Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. There's all kinds. We go on and on about that, but that is the difference.

Host: Wow. So, you know, this is such a life limiting illness for so many people. Tell us a little bit life is like for the residents of Maple Grove. Tell us a little bit about what a day might consist of, and even and you mentioned the wandering and small house concept. is like.

Kristen: Yeah. So if you have just your typical person with dementia and you're putting yourself their shoes, think of waking up in the morning. You have no idea where you're at. You're not even sure who you are. You don't know your family. So when you wake up, you're scared. So, what helps them is then our staff goes in there and they see a familiar face.

They don't know how they know them. They're not sure why they know it's a nice person, know that it's somebody that they know trust and love. So that is how their day out. This person take them, help them get for the day. And again, they're still confused. They don't understand that why they can't do these normal everyday functions.

They go out, eat breakfast. Our breakfast is served anytime up, we don't put them our schedule. We work off their schedule. So, whatever time they wake up, we out, feed them whatever they want for breakfast. No one thing they can choose. And again, even eating is difficult for them. Sometimes they don't remember how to use a fork. They distinguish the food from the plate. It's a lot that goes into it. And that's what their life is like. All this. After breakfast though, a lot of them will take naps or do some kind of activity and then lunch. And then the afternoons are usually spent. They sit on the couch and the staff sits with them, talks to them, listens music, and usually another activity at this time. And then supper, and then of people with dementia experience, this phenomenon called sundowning as the sun goes down, dementia seems to just get. They're more confused. They're ready to go home, but they don't really know where home's at. So again, our staff is trained to deal with that and to help calm them down and get them to their rooms and get them settled into.

Host: Wow really, you are all doing such wonderful work. As we wrap up this first part of our, of our show today, tell the listeners what you'd like them to know about Maple Grove at Hancock memories. At Hancock Village, maple. Good. Tell us what you want us to know about Maple Grove Memory Care in a section of Hancock Village.

Kristen: Yeah. So Maple Grove again really great home for people with cognitive impairments. And just remember that people, cognitive impairments are still people and they still deserve love and it just looks differently.

Host: Thank you so much, Kristin. What great information. Tell us a little bit about how family find you, how they come to you and how, when they first come to you, it's usually what the sons and daughters, the children, spouses of, of the residents come and say, we need this resident, this here. How discussion take place?

Kristen: One thing, you know, we're a small community. So, a hear from us from word of mouth. Also have a website, Hancockvillage.org. They can contact us either way. So, usually a family member like you said, usually a child, a spouse; they come here and here and say, my loved one has dementia. I've taken care of her for so, many years, but I just can't do it anymore. We need this. And so immediately give them our information. We have a little folder, we give with everything and then we take them over to Maple so they can actually see what the small house concept is and why it's such a great thing for somebody with dementia.

Host: So, I mean then what, how's the process work of getting somebody in? I think that people nervous about the paperwork. They're not sure if they need a from doctor this. Tell us bit about how that works and some of the pay information, because I think that that's issue. People always have questions about.

Kristen: Of course. So we make it as easy as possible. So first things first, you call me, I answer the phone and I'll say, can you come in and meet us in person? So when they do that, we give them an application to fill out and that's kind of the first step, is once you get that application, you get put on our waitlist.

So application first, the next thing we'll want is doctor's records because no, you do not need a referral from a doctor, but we do need a doctor to say that this person has dementia. So, that's step two. And then the next step is meeting your loved one and we will come to your home. And just assess them in their normal environment and see what kind of help they need.

How are we going to be able to promote independence with this person while also meeting their needs? After that we would get, what's called a determination of need screening that comes from the Department of Aging out of Quincy. It's a person, just over the phone, usually asks some questions. They just have to say that they're appropriate for an assisted living, for support.

And then after that we bring the loved one. If they're able to, we bring them in to see the building. Sometimes that just causes more confusion. So they just, the day they move it is the first time they see it, it just kind of depends on the person. But then once all of that paperwork is out of the way they can come in and we just recently were certified to accept people on Medicaid, too. We have private pay, long-term care insurance and Medicaid. We can accept all three.

Host: I'm so glad you us about that. Now you said sometimes the first time they it is when moving which makes a lot of What about familiar things? Tell about the room the residents be in. Do bring things from does work?

Kristen: So it would kind of be like moving into an apartment. You have, we have a dish set up, but you would bring your own TV. Your own furniture, clothes. We give you a whole list of things to bring in. And the idea is, yes, you want it to be stuff that's familiar to them. So, you know, maybe a bed that they really like, a nightstand that they really like, whatever that might be. And then some residents, like little trinkets, things that are familiar to them, pictures of families are always really.

Host: So then now tell us, the caregivers and the members they've been dealing with this, they've been helping one care of their loved one. And it's pretty stressful. It's pretty hard to do. Right. So tell us a little bit about how you speak and work with the families because not only is it stressful, caring for their loved ones, but then loved ones over to you can be a very stressful time in someone's.

Kristen: Yeah. So, the thing that's always most evident is nearly every family member that comes to us and says, we need help; they feel like a failure in a way that they failed their level. And that is such a misconception too, because by bringing your loved one to us, you're putting them in the best place possible, somewhere that this person will really prosper because it's set up for them, for people with dementia.

So, that's the first thing I try to talk to families about is you are doing the best thing for your loved one in this moment. And I always let them know at a certain point, you don't want to be their caregiver anymore. You just want to be their daughter or son or husband or wife. So, I try to make that very known to.

Host: Then what about things like therapy, and even if the family comes visit and families come to and they don't to just sit, things that, that you guys set up, things that they can do, activities that they can do together? Give us some strategies and behavioral people can do that. Family can do with their loved ones when they do come to visit.

Kristen: Yeah. of things we do is one, we identify the best time of day for that person to be visited. A lot of people, evenings are really bad. So, first thing in the morning is the best time to visit. And then we have, we have a box of things that each resident we know that they enjoy so that family member can get that box of things and just take them out. Enjoy it with the family. A lot of people enjoy going out on our patio and just sitting. We also have a park right next door to us and they can walk over to the park and sit there. Another thing we try to do is, I try to let the family know if there are any topics that are really bad and really triggering.

For example, none of our residents know anything about COVID. They don't understand what's going on. They don't even know it's a thing. So, when families come in here talking about this global pandemic and this vaccine, it just really upsets the resident because they have no idea or current events. So, I try to explain to them to just stay away from those topics.

Host: That's interesting. Pretty insightful, really. When they are with them, do you have a place besides like the parking aisle? Do you have a like a room where they could go and maybe read or do they hang out in their rooms for like activities, puzzles, whatever it is they're going to do. T V Y.

Kristen: They tend to either hang out in their apartment, in our multi-sensory room or the patio. Three places or right out at the time, a dining room table. We'll give them each a cup of coffee and they can sit there and chat as long as they.

Host: And what about the help that you do give the residents? We talked about mealtime and you said some of the residents have trouble feeding themselves. So, are their caregivers because if I was taking my loved one, these, these are, I would want to know, right. Is, is, is someone going to feed them them decide on the food choices? How do they know?

Kristen: Yeah. My rule is if one person can be helped by one person at all times, we can meet that need. So that means toileting and, you know, they need their incontinence supplies changed. That's if they do need help, feeding what we usually try to do is cue them. So, they're still feeding themselves. So, they're still independent, but again, sometimes they forget what a fork is.

So, you just have to show them, put the food on the fork and hand it to them. And then that stimulates them enough to start eating them. That's always our goal, but we would feed somebody if able to do that for whatever reason.

Host: So Kristen, you mentioned that we don't discuss with the residents about the global pandemic, but for their family members, can you tell us the protocol right now as they come to visit their loved ones at Maple Grove Memory?

Kristen: Yes, so the doors are locked, so they pick up a phone and call us when they want to come in. We go to the door, let them in. We have them put a mask on. We take their temperature. Ask them, if they've had any signs or symptoms of COVID or any exposure to anyone COVID and then ask them to wash their hands or use sanitizer, then they're able to come into the building and visit.

So, we want to keep our residents safe. So, we try to make visits happen in the safest way possible. We're a locked down unit. So, when they get there, they pick up a phone right outside the door that rings into us. We go out there, we offer them a mask, if they don't have one already, and then we would take their temperature, go through all the questions of, have you been around anyone with COVID, any outstanding COVID test ask if they any.

And then we have them perform hand hygiene however that looks, hand sanitizer, hand-washing. And then we do encourage that visits either be outside or in the resident's apartment. So, there we're not having one visitor around multiple rooms.

Host: Well, that certainly makes sense. In the last minute here, Kristen, I'd like you to reiterate what you would like listeners to know about Maple Grove Memory Care part of Hancock Village, how all the wonderful, compassionate work that you are all doing there and how they can feel good putting their loved one someplace where they're going to get this kind of compassionate.

Kristen: Yeah. I just want people to remember when you think of a facility, you often think of nursing homes from years ago, and that's just not what it is anymore. Here at Maple Grove Memory Care, it's individualized. It's really giving your loved one, a whole new life, a whole way to be as independent, as positive as possible, and dignified as possible while fighting this horrible.

Host: Well, it sounds like you have just such a great team working with you and working with the residents. And thank you so much, Kristen, for joining us today to learn more about Maple Grove Memory Care, part of Hancock Village, you can call 217-357-8800 to schedule a tour. You can also visit our website, mhtlc.org to get connected with one of our providers and read more about maple Grove Memory Care. That concludes this episode of Say Yes to Good Health with Memorial Hospital. We'd like to thank our audience and invite you all to download and subscribe and rate and review on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and Google podcast.

And if you found this podcast informative, please share on your social channels and be sure to check out other interesting podcasts in our library. I'm Melanie Cole. Thanks so much for listening today.