For those in the health and human service industry, the global pandemic has created an urgency to adapt, innovate and improve. For MBK Senior Living, finding better ways to operate is inherently a part of who they are. So, when the coronavirus crisis disrupted the delicate balance that family and caregivers provide to seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia, the company naturally sought out ways to improve care and service delivery.
In January, the company’s Chancellor Gardens community in Salt Lake City completed the Alzheimer’s Association Person-Centered Dementia Care Training Program and became “EssentiALZ” certified. Team members at the company’s Highland Glen community in Highland, UT are currently completing the program, and other MBK communities are following suit and participating in additional dementia training.
According to Jeff Fischer, president of MBK Senior Living, ensuring that caregivers have the most up-to-date training to support the unique needs seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia is vital in providing stability, comfort and quality care to seniors and their families.
"The coronavirus crisis has magnified the role of caregivers and the Alzheimer's Association Person-Centered Dementia Care Training Program provides them with the skills they need to meet increase demands,” said Fischer. “The Alzheimer’s Association program aligns hand-in-hand with our proprietary Connections for Living by MBKTM memory care program.”
“Together, these two programs will ensure that residents receive exceptional care and that our team members have the knowledge and expertise to meet high-quality care guidelines," added Fischer.
More than five million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and require person-centered care techniques to improve communication and manage behaviors associated with the disease. The Alzheimer's Association Person-Centered Care Training Program educates caregivers with the most current and evidence-based information. The curriculum is based on Alzheimer's Association and CDC's quality care guidelines that have been extensively researched and reviewed.
The online training program covers five main topic areas of the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, which serve as the benchmark for quality care across the disease spectrum. Those topics include Alzheimer's disease and dementia, person-center care, assessment, and care planning, activities of daily living (ADLs), and dementia-related behaviors and communications. Upon completing the program, caregivers will take an exam to receive an "EssentiALZ" certification that is valid for two years. To be certified, MBK team members must receive a 90% or higher on the exam.
"High-quality dementia care training can reduce dementia-related behaviors and increase job satisfaction for staff," said Ronnie Daniel, executive director for the Alzheimer's Association, Utah Chapter. "Plus, a higher level of training provides assurances to a senior's family that their loved one is receiving the best care."
"Typically, someone with dementia will do better at home. However, there comes a time when staying home is just not possible," said Daniels. "That's where senior living providers, like MBK Senior Living, come in. They can provide more socialization, more activities and have caregivers with an increased level of skills to help seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia to preserve their sense of identity, autonomy, and quality of life."
Of MBK Senior Living's 33 communities located throughout the Western United States, 18 offer memory care. To best support residents and their families, these communities follow the company's signature Connections for Living by MBKTM memory care program that focuses on four key areas: physical wellness, stimulating environment, resident enrichment, and family involvement.
"Our Connections for Living program starts by learning about the resident's life history, preferences, needs, and passions," said Fischer. "This information is then shared with all the team members so that we are continually connecting with that resident to help them feel engaged and secure."
What's more, every aspect of MBK's memory care communities are thoughtfully designed to encourage resident independence, connectivity, and wellness. Strategically placed inspiration stations, enrichment programming, and exceptional care services provide residents with a greater sense of independence and exploration.
"The Alzheimer's Association's Person-Centered Care Training Program and EssentiALZ certification will further enhance the quality care and connections our team members at Chancellor Gardens have with our memory care residents and their families," said Fischer.
Throughout the company's history, placing importance on high-quality care and ongoing team member training has been the norm. In addition to a well-earned reputation as a trusted resource for seniors and their families, MBK Senior Living ranked among the Top 10 "Best Workplaces in Aging Services" by Fortune magazine in 2020. The company has also earned a "Great Place to Work© certification by the Great Place to Work Institute for the last three years and was named one of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For®" in 2018.
To learn how MBK communities can help you care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's, visit our website MBKseniorliving.com.
