Everyone navigates Alzheimer’s and dementia differently, and Symphony at Olmsted Falls is there to help
By Patricia Nugent
Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Although a cure for this progressive, irreversible brain illness hasn’t been discovered yet, facilities such as Symphony at Olmsted Falls have created a continuum of care with memory programs to pave the way for those suffering from Alzheimer’s to make the most of their days.
“We offer whatever level of care is needed for people, whether it’s being part of our Day Club adult day care, or respite care so family caregivers can take a break or go on vacation, to residency in our facility and, lastly, working with hospice care,” says Executive Director Chrissy Grude.
“We are uniquely designed and dedicated to serve those suffering from dementia, with licensed nurses and caregivers on duty, and security measures in place. And with our In the Moment memory program, we make the most of each moment, getting to know residents and nurturing them.”
Secluded Environs, Like a Cottage in the Woods
The first thing you notice at Symphony at Olmsted is the spacious wraparound porch, complete with rocking chairs.
Situated less than a mile from downtown Olmsted Falls, the building is tucked back into a quiet, tree-lined section of Elm Street.
Residents live in 44 spacious studios to enjoy time by themselves or social time. The apartments are undergoing refurbishment, with new granite counters, flooring and fixtures.
With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting a warm, beautiful autumn on the way, residents are still enjoying the outdoors within the courtyard, harvesting goods from their gardens and filling bird feeders for the colorful clientele.
A comprehensive host of services, from physical therapy to physicians, beauticians, rehab services, therapy dogs, cooking demonstrations and hospice are also available.
A Modern Approach to Memory Support
Symphony created the In the Moment program as a team approach to care delivery that’s different from outdated dementia care practices.
“We recognize that each person we serve is unique, and we treat them as individuals, finding out about their history, likes and dislikes,” says Chrissy.
The holistic program is based on six principles of well-being: physical engagement, spiritual support, artistic expression, community connections, continuing education, and lifestyle and leisure.
Bringing the Outside World In
Symphony at Olmsted is celebrating one year with the It’s Never 2 Late iN2L Person-Centered Technology, which is an interactive screen that takes up a wall in the group activity room. Symphony was selected as a pilot program for the iN2L from 100 facilities in the country run by its parent corporation.
Residents can virtually travel the world, conduct an orchestra, or play interactive trivia games that span the decades, enjoying social connection and memory engagement.
“This has been a wonderful tool for us to find out more about our residents and engage them in cognitive, sensory and tactile ways,” says Chrissy. “The room is full of residents, and the program is running most of the day, every day.”
Music is a big part of the iN2L, whether with singalongs, or “conductor-cise,” during which people wave their own wands to conduct the music.
Another helpful function of the technology is that there are individual Focus Tablets in synch with the program, available on each floor and each resident’s profile is loaded into the devices. Family members who might feel they aren’t connected to their parents or grandparents can use the tablets’ information as conversation starters for more meaningful visits.
Stay Just for the Day, or When Needed
Symphony is one of the few facilities on the west side to provide an Adult Day Club. Arranged with caregivers in mind, the program accommodates people seven days per week, half-day or full-day, or even by the hour if necessary. And they can also provide care services such as administering baths or showers.
Attendees come at least two to three times a week and are fully integrated in all of the activities the residents enjoy, including meals and snacks, crafts, field trips, entertainment and group classes with the iN2L program. If they need a nap, no problem, there are resting accommodations, too.
Once people are comfortable with the Day Club, they often transition to stay for respite care, and eventu
Taking Care of Families
The Caregiver Support Group at Symphony meets on a monthly basis. Caregivers gather to share their stories, questions and concerns with others, and it’s been a help for them.
“We hope families look to us as a resource of support, to let them know they are not alone in dealing with memory loss,” she says. “Families are invited to be part of every step of resident’s lives as they follow their journey. Open lines of communication help us create the best experience possible.”
They also offer a full slate of events families can take part in, such as Family Night Dinners with entertainment once a month.
Symphony at Olmsted Falls is located at 25880 Elm Street in Olmsted Falls. For more information, call 440-230-3591 or visit SymphonyatOlmstedFalls.com. Ask about move-in specials. Their Facebook page offers helpful insights for dealing with dementia.