A Different Kind of Community and a Different Kind of Care: Emerald Crest by Augustana Care

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Are you worried about a loved one who may have a condition like Alzheimer’s? What kind of issues should be cause for concern?

Experts in the field say that when people age, they typically need more time to learn and retain new information. There are times, however, when people experience memory loss that is not normal—and is related to Alzheimer’s and other conditions. When that happens, people need a community that concentrates on their strengths instead of losses. That is our focus at Emerald Crest by Augustana Care.

Residents and their families at Emerald Crest will find a community where people are active participants in life. They bake cookies, discuss current events and engage in creative projects, worship services, exercise and singing. Their lives are not limited by what they cannot do; instead, they receive the support they need to live fully and joyfully.

One of the unique characteristics of Emerald Crest by Augustana Care is what we call the occupational therapy or “OT” Difference.  We understand that people with cognitive challenges stemming from conditions like Alzheimer’s develop gaps in their abilities. Our program uses the skills and expertise of occupational therapists to identify these gaps and overcome them by collaboratively developing strategies and techniques.

Occupational therapists and nurses share their techniques and strategies with family members and caregivers, who can then apply the techniques to partner with residents and help maximize their abilities. Personalized strategies create an ongoing sense of purpose and pride, allowing residents to thrive and retain life skills for longer periods of time.

The memory care program used at Emerald Crest was created by Cognitive Clinical Specialist Theresa Klein, who is herself an occupational therapist. She came to Emerald Crest because its philosophy spoke deeply to her own personal experience.

When Klein was in high school, her grandfather began showing signs of Alzheimer’s and came to live with her family. There was little understanding at the time of how to deal with the disease and it felt very isolating for Klein’s grandfather and his family. She committed herself to improving care for those with dementia and envisioned a program that allowed individuals to celebrate their abilities, rather than focusing on their deficits.

When building Emerald Crest, founders sought advice from prestigious experts in dementia care. They recommended simple floor plans and serene décor to create a warm, welcoming environment. Lighting, rooms, kitchen, grounds and gardens were thoughtfully placed and designed to create a home where life’s rhythms and routines bring people together.

Memory Care at Emerald Crest by Augustana Care is thoughtfully designed to encompass four crucial elements:

Home

Emerald Crest’s unique environments are designed with calming colors and decors. Each home consists of twelve to fifteen suites arranged around a central living and kitchen area. This natural, gracious setting encourages engagement and reduces isolation.

Life

The Emerald Crest model is tailored to the changing needs of each resident. Care is guided by nurses and occupational therapists to develop individualized daily programs that flow with residents’ natural rhythms.

Expertise

Based on proven research, compassion and common sense, Emerald Crest continues to be a trusted leader in the memory care field, offering families a refreshing new option to nursing homes or conventional assisted living settings.

Assurance

Moving a loved one to a new setting with supportive care is a process that affects your entire family, so Emerald Crest staff makes sure everyone involved is very well-informed and comfortable. That includes the peace of mind that comes from knowing loved ones receive around-the-clock care designed specifically for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related needs.