At Pine Haven Christian Communities, we believe in the biblical mandate to care for one another with compassion, love, and respect. Inspired by this belief, we established the Covenant Home program to address the unique needs of seniors with dementia.
As we venture on our Annual Appeal Campaign to create a Memory Care Center of Excellence, we'd like to take you on a journey through the history of our memory care program, share insight into the growing demand for memory care services, and examples about the positive impact memory care services have made.
History of Memory Care Program
In 2011, Pine Haven Christian Home opened Covenant Home, an initiative dedicated to serving seniors with memory issues. We named it "Covenant Home" as a testament to the commitment to care and love for one another, just as God loves us. Initially, 22 apartments were allotted to this program, but the demand grew rapidly.
In 2015, we added another 32 apartments, with eight designed to cater to those with high physical care needs alongside memory care requirements. Recognizing the ongoing demand, we expanded further in 2019, adding 29 apartments, thereby creating a comprehensive continuum of memory care services that span from early onset to end-of-life stages.
Future Demand for Memory Care
The statistics for increased memory care needs are staggering. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's, a number projected to nearly double by 2050. It's worth noting that Alzheimer's and other dementias take more lives than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. The aging baby boomer population and medical advancements continue to extend our lifespan, making memory care services even more essential.
Pine Haven's Response: Memory Care Center of Excellence
In response to the growing challenge of providing top-notch memory care services, Pine Haven's Board of Directors has taken a visionary step by approving a strategic initiative—to establish a Memory Care Center of Excellence. This initiative is designed to enhance training and education for our dedicated staff, provide invaluable resources to families, and strengthen our community.
Debra Wawak, whose mother had to adjust to Pine Haven's care, praises the staff for their commitment to her well-being. She reflects, "Mom had been so used to being independent that adjusting to Pine Haven was challenging. However, the staff was so caring and patient with her. When she needed to be moved to the next level of care, the staff worked with us to get her into the perfect room that kept her in the loop and helped her acclimate."
Areas of Need: Why We Need Your Support
The profound impact of our memory care program is undeniable, but we recognize the need for continued support and growth. We aim to create a brighter future for seniors with dementia and their families.
Dementia care is a personal and challenging journey, and specialized training is necessary. Staff training and education are essential as the Pine Haven staff continues to provide responsive and helpful care to our residents. Marcie Laurin says, "My mother has been living in Fellowship home and has dementia. We are impressed with how staff (Mary Lou) uses their faith to connect with my mother to explain things, so she understands."
Caregiver support is also an important area of need. We aspire to create a support system that will serve as a resource and platform for sharing experiences. This support system will offer invaluable emotional support to caregivers.
Other needs for this program include supplies for engaging activities, creating outdoor sanctuaries, and a unique therapeutic opportunity for residents at REINS.
REINS provides programming for horse-assisted therapy for residents with dementia. We intend to offer scholarships to alleviate the financial burden on families.
From supplies for engaging activities to outdoor sanctuaries with patio furniture, every contribution matters deeply in nurturing their well-being.
Conclusion
Pine Haven Christian Community's Memory Care Center of Excellence is a beacon of hope for those affected by dementia. With your support, we can continue to provide exceptional care, support families, and enhance the lives of our residents. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and fulfill our biblical mandate to care for one another with compassion and love. Join us in creating a brighter future for seniors with dementia and their families.
