Since 1989 The Highlands at Wyomissing has had its doors open to those in need of a little extra help with daily activities. Over the years, it has grown into a much larger community consisting of apartments and personal care apartments, offering skilled nursing care, fun activities and much more while still affording an independent lifestyle to its residents. The Highlands has an extraordinary reputation for offering remarkable homes and quality, unlimited Type A health care contracts for its residents. One extraordinary component is Aspire Memory Support. This program’s goal is to provide residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s the opportunity to enhance their lives.
Memory Care Features
The Aspire Memory Support program is a patient-focused type of care. The staff works closely with residents to keep them as engaged as possible, from helping them pick out their clothes to recalling their life stories. This enables them to have a better understanding as to what their daily routines were prior to moving to The Highlands. Holly Moylan, NHA, PCHA and Personal Care Administrator says, “It’s just really understanding the person for who they are so that we can assist them in the best way possible to keep their life as close to what they were living prior to [living at The Highlands], as well as keeping them engaged and giving them something to do so that they are feeling purposeful.”
One aspect that has aided residents in feeling purposeful and helps them flourish
in the memory support program is creating an environment that utilizes biophilic design. This design concept increases the connectivity between people and nature. President & CEO Kevin P. DeAcosta states, “The building itself was created in a way to help residents thrive in the memory support environment. When you walk into each of the households there is a high-quality dedication to natural light and synthetic light. We maintain light levels in the space which we know are conducive to better quality care outcomes for people, not only senior adults, but senior adults with dementia.”
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Communal activities, which are prompted by what residents desire, are meant to help enhance their lives and decrease behavioral changes, such as the 4 As of Alzheimer’s: Agitation, Anxiety, Aggression and Apathy. Holly explains, “As we have increased the number of engagements that we’ve had available to residents, we have seen a lot less of those 4 As.” Activities may include assisting with setting dining tables, being part of a baking or gardening group, or a host of many other options to spur conversation and ensure residents take pleasure in a fulfilling, meaningful day. Beautiful outdoor courtyards provide a positive, hands-on venture. Residents may partake in gardening, where all plants smell delightful and are completely safe in case of accidental ingestion.
Another facet to memory care at The Highlands is the memory boxes outside each occupant’s apartment. These glass cases contain items such as family photos or little knickknacks that are personal to them. This not only helps them to identify their apartment and encourage a returning memory, but it also aids staff in getting to know the individual’s life history a bit better, making their life at The Highlands an enriching time.
More Facts
Shades of Purpose. The color of the concrete at The Highlands is made to accommodate all senior adult eyes, especially those living with dementia.
Recreation Galore. Simple pleasures at The Highlands include beautiful roads and walkways, a fully equipped fitness center, an indoor heated saltwater pool, a library, art studio, putting greens and more
