Ebenezer's Dimensions® Program

The Ebenezer Difference

“Persons living with dementia are usually more capable than we can imagine.”
 Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room
What makes Ebenezer Memory Care Different?
​In 2015, Ebenezer received a 2-year, PIPP Grant (Performance-based Incentive) with the goal of continuing to improve and to elevate the quality of dementia care across our organization. Ebenezer’s Dementia Care Program Coordinator, Marysue Moses, oversees a unique person-centered dementia care program that ensures Ebenezer residents who are living with dementia receive exceptional, compassionate care based on current best practices. “Our goal is to be known for our dementia care,” said Moses.  The program known as “Dimensions” involves seven components:
Person-Centered Care
  • ​​Care plans are designed based on detailed assessments that look at the person's abilities, needs, preferences, and personal history.  We meet residents where they are —this can change from day to day with dementia.  There are days when people function well and days when they require extra attention. It’s part of the deal.  We expect it, and we train staff to respond accordingly. 
  • ​Ebenezer stresses the importance of understanding the needs of a person with dementia, and trains caregivers to respond with compassion and creativity to any resident’s specific needs.
  • ​At our care centers, a team of Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Physical Therapists develop goals for residents in alignment with their level of cognition, so that the resident can navigate their environment and participate in activities with maximum independence.
Innovative Training
  • ​​In-depth, hands-on dementia care training from Dementia Care Program Coordinator. These site-specific training sessions are provided 1-2 times per year, and more are available on demand. Training is interactive, often including participatory exercises, role play and working in small groups. 
  • Use of C.A.R.E.S. Training (endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association) and other on-line or DVD training to supplement and reinforce learning
  • Employees receive 3.5 hours of initial Aging and Dementia care training at New Employee Orientation, delivered by Dementia Care Program Coordinator or Memory Care Champions.  
  • "Hot-Topic" training provided monthly for each site
  • Annual in-person training for frontline staff.
Wellness
Cognitive Solutions program provides therapy assessment and recommended appropriate approaches/activity instructions 
  • Activities to promote brain health
  • Aromatherapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • Expansion and integration of Exercise and Balance Program in partnership with Centrex Rehab. 
  • Emphasis on hydration and nutrition for all dementia patients to ensure their comfort and well being
  • Collaboration with Fairview's Palliative Care and Hospice Care should residents need more advanced care
Activities
  • Commitment to Lifelong Learning and creative arts engagement
  • Interactive, participatory groups such as Drumming, Water coloring, Music making, Poetry, Pathways Programming (Laughter Yoga, Art Play for the Soul, Adaptive Yoga, Stretching and Flexibility) 
  • Focus on keeping residents in touch with experiences that are integral to their identities
  • Service projects and other opportunities for community involvement
  • Person-centered, calming activities as well as interactive entertainment
  • Music and recreational therapists
Environment
  • Memory Care communities designed to promote a feeling of safety and security for residents and their families
  • Features include controlled-access entries, community activity spaces, outdoor patios, and special lighting designed for aging eyes
  • Painting and decorating in calming colors that encourage relaxation
  • Accessible spaces and furniture to accommodate people who have disabilities 
  • Continued assessment of environments to ensure dementia-friendly design structures
Family Education and Support
  • Dementia Care Program Coordinator available to present for family events on topics such as Dementia Basics, Communicating with a Loved One with Memory Loss, Handling the Holidays when a Loved One has Memory Loss. to help with communicating with a loved one who has dementia
  • Caregiver support groups on site at most communities
  • Family support through education, visitor guides and resources
Community Outreach