June 28, 2024
An Engagement Plan captures significant details, events, and memories from a person’s life in a personalized narrative. It helps caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals understand and connect with an individual on a deeper level. By creating an Engagement Plan, we improve the quality of care, making it more person-centered. Personal information enhances communication, providing comfort and a sense of identity for individuals with dementia.
At The Madison Senior Living, we gather this information as soon as possible, before a resident moves into our Memory Care Neighborhood. As dementia progresses, it often becomes more difficult for residents to communicate their wants, needs, and wishes. These plans help us meet their desires throughout their dementia journey.
An Engagement Plan in our Memory Care Neighborhood is a guide to provide person-centered care for each resident. The information gathered includes the resident’s family history, career, personal preferences for grooming, dressing, food, and triggers. This allows us to create a tailor-made plan that helps regulate their routine, engage them in group and one-on-one events, and achieve an overall better quality of life.
Tailoring an Engagement Plan to the individual needs and abilities of each person living with dementia is essential for promoting cognitive function, emotional well-being, and a sense of dignity and purpose throughout the progression of the disease. Reminiscing about memories, participating in hobbies, and enjoying familiar activities reinforces a sense of self and worth.
To prepare for your loved one’s future care, educate yourself about dementia to understand its progression and next steps. Creating a support network for yourself as a caregiver is also crucial. At The Madison, we offer monthly in-person Dementia Education Sessions covering all aspects of dementia. We encourage anyone interested in learning more to join us. Additionally, we provide a weekly virtual Dementia Support Group to support caregivers and family members.
Continue to engage your loved ones with social interactions, one-on-one activities, and participation in the activities they love, even if some tasks need modification. Creating a scrapbook and capturing their favorite memories can be an enjoyable activity for family members and people with dementia. It serves as a powerful tool for reminiscing as the disease progresses.
Start now to prepare for your future and/or the future of your loved ones. Provide detailed information about your background, history, likes, and dislikes. Include what makes you happy, sad, and fearful. Mention any special things that bring you joy and comfort. These Engagement Plans improve caregiving, aid in emotional comfort, and facilitate communication. They also enable those around you to honor your life and ensure you receive personalized and compassionate care. You can find free templates online at legacyproject.org and crisisprevention.com.
The Madison Senior Living in Kansas City, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St Luke’s South/ Menorah with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Top Golf, Park Place Shopping Center, Worlds of fun/Oceans of fun, Kansas City Zoo, Union Station/Crown Center, National WWI Museum and Memorial, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Arrow Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
