The number of people who have trouble thinking because of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia is increasing. Most of us know at least one person who has had trouble thinking and we know how distressful this experience often is. Comfort Matters® which is a philosophy, a model of care and an education program was developed at Beatitudes Campus to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families. The program also improves the working experience for staff by giving them tools geared toward creating comfort for people with dementia. When people with dementia are comfortable then others around them are usually comfortable too.
The Comfort Matters® program helps people with dementia rest when they're tired, eat what they want whenever they're hungry, spend time engaged in hobbies of their choice and direct how their individual needs are met. Since people who have trouble thinking may not be able to carry out what's important on their own it's essential that we as staff understand the best ways to help them find comfort. Many of you have attended either a two hour or full day Comfort Matters® Dementia Care Education Course. These education courses are critical since people with Alzheimer's disease or other kinds of dementia live everywhere on campus. If you're interested in attending a Comfort Matters® education course please contact your manager or Karen Mitchell at [email protected].
In addition to the education courses available on campus, Comfort Matters® Dementia Care Education program is also teaching other senior communities across the country. Currently the program serves 15 communities in Washington, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and Maryland. Senior communities spend one to two years learning how to create comfortable opportunities for the people they serve and then participate in an accreditation assessment where they can become a Comfort Matters® accredited organization. To date six senior communities have achieved this distinction. Over the next year, the Comfort Matters® team anticipates that another 15 senior communities will begin the program.
Serving our residents with dementia, their friends and family is often not easy. Taking what we know about dementia and comfort and teaching other communities can be challenging too. Everyone on campus has helped Comfort Matters® become a nationally recognized program. The Comfort Matters® team is honored to tell our story about supporting people with dementia and why comfort matters so much. Together we have improved quality of life and quality of service for people with dementia not just in our community but in communities across the nation. Thanks to all of you for making this possible.
For additional information about Comfort Matters® please contact either Tena Alonzo at [email protected] (602)433-6182 or Ivan Hilton at [email protected] (602)995-6104.
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