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Memory Care GEMS – Ensuring Every Resident Shines

Caring for someone with dementia is not easy. The mainstream outlook consists of negative messaging compounded by stigma due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition.

When discussing dementia, the focus is typically on what the person has lost as they transition through each stage. “… But if that’s all you’re thinking about, you’re missing opportunities,” Teepa Snow said.

Snow is a renowned dementia care and education specialist who developed Positive Approach to Care® and other methods such as the GEMS® dementia state classification model.

Her classification model differs from commonly used scales by identifying six different brain states and the shifts in skills and abilities a person can experience in any given moment, focusing on the present   not what was lost.
 
“Just like gems, each person is precious, valuable, and unique, and given the right setting and care, can shine,” she said.

Understanding the GEMS States ¬– sapphire, diamond, emerald, amber, ruby, and pearl – and how people with dementia experience the world, professional and family care partners can provide better care. They can then change their actions accordingly for a better connection and encourage participation in care tasks and activities.

Snow’s methodologies shift the current narrative, radically transforming the experience of dementia to help people with the condition continue living meaningful lives, which is why our community implements her teachings into our memory care program and ongoing team training. 

Our memory care director constructs person-centered care plans that highlight each resident’s current abilities rather than focusing on what has been lost to help them experience happy, purposeful moments.

New Evergreen Memory Care Suites

Introducing our new Evergreen memory care suites complete with kitchenette and full bathroom! These gorgeous and sunny suites are pre-wired with cable and phone.

Heritage Green in Mechanicsville, Virginia living room
A living room at Heritage Green in Mechanicsville, Virginia
An apartment bathroom at Heritage Green in Mechanicsville, Virginia
An apartment kitchen at Heritage Green in Mechanicsville, Virginia
Residents at Heritage Green in Mechanicsville, Virginia

Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care announces Expansion of Senior Living Community

MECHANICSVILLE, Va., Dec. 3, 2015 – Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care is pleased to announce the expansion of its assisted living community and building upgrades in the memory care community. This expansion will include one-bedroom apartments

Heritage will expand its capacity to serve seniors in its assisted living community, which will have 20 additional apartments. Their current memory care neighborhood, called Evergreen, will have six new apartments for seniors.

Heritage Green was originally built in 1999 as a memory care community. In 2008, renovations took place to offer more assisted living services.

“Heritage Green has a proven track record for providing expert care for those senior adults requiring assistance in everyday living as well as those requiring a secured memory care environment,” said Holly Carson, marketing director.

The renovations will include a new health and wellness center, offering physical, occupational and speech therapies. The community will also include an exam room so a physician can come visit patients. The new building will be open-concept, so residents are free to enjoy their independence in their own home.

“We are excited about the renovations to our community and are looking forward to welcoming new residents," said Christine Smith, executive director of Heritage Green. “With this expansion, Heritage Green will have all the options seniors are looking for, from fun-filled activities, to health and wellness classes and nutritious and delicious meals prepared by our culinary staff. It will be the perfect location to call their home and enjoy a happy and worry-free lifestyle.

”The expansion construction, as well as building upgrades, is slated to be complete by late summer 2016. “Our residents and families appreciate the kindness and dedication that each staff member and caregiver shows,” said Carson. “It is our belief that one generation plants the tree, another sits in its shade. We have built an experienced team of staff and caregivers that will continue to offer the expert, loving care that we have always provided for our seniors.

Heritage Green is managed by Heritage Senior Living, located in Blue Bell, Pa. Heritage operates senior living communities in the Mid-Atlantic region. or more information, please call Holly Carson, marketing director, at 804-746-7370, or visit www.heritagegreenhanover.com

Heritage Green is the area’s most vibrant senior living community, offering assisted living and memory care services to seniors. Located at 7080 Brooks Farm Rd., Mechanicsville, Heritage Green offers residents a unique retirement community on an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Resident services include chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, social events and transportation. For more information, please call Holly Carson, marketing director, at 804-746-7370, or visit www.heritagegreenhanover.com.

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Resident holding hands with a caretaker at Heritage Green in Mechanicsville, Virginia