How to Develop a New Dementia Care Program

The Expressions Example

Hollie Fowler and Dina Newsom

Presentation Agenda

• Why We Developed a New Dementia Care Program

• The Process that We Followed

• The Resulting Program

• How we Sustain and Continue to Grow our Program

• Our Outcomes

Why We Developed a New Program

In early 2009, we decided to update our Expressions Memory Care Product

• Respond to changing customer requirements

• Incorporate advancements in memory care treatment protocols

How We Started

• Created a Cross-Functional Development Team and Engaged Dementia Care Expert, David Troxel

• Established Our Objectives:• Create a greater awareness of Expressions and to position Prestige as

a resource and expert provider of Dementia Care

• Develop a person center care program based on knowing each person’s life story; enabling us to create individual programming and experiences for each resident

• To develop and empower our staff with the knowledge and confidence to create the best possible experience for each resident and their family

The Development Process

Conducted Internal and External Market Research• Family Focus Group• Cross-functional Team

• Health Services Director

• Dementia Experts- David Troxel

• Executive Directors from our Various Dementia Centers

• Marketing and Sales Representatives

• Directors of Operations

• Carer Staff

• Dietary Director

• Life Enrichment Directors

• Followed a standardized, proven development process

that looked at all aspects of the program

• Scheduled regular team meetings

• Worked together cross- functionally to develop the program • Process took approximately 6-months

The Development Process

Launched our Program: Internal and External

• Internally:• Conducted cross- functional training• Conducted one month prior to external launch

• Externally: • Educational Campaign – Prestige hosted a series of professional speakers on a wide variety of memory care topics

Expressions – Our Dementia Care Program

Program Features

• Expressions of My Life – Hallmark Daily ActivitiesHealthy Expressions

Tasty Expressions

Artistic Expressions

Educational Expressions

Spiritual Expressions

• Unique Program Tools

Walkabout Board

Weekly Expressions “Old Sayings” Banner

Life Story Nametags

Supportive Tools

• The Life Story Booklet

• 100 Things About Me

• Orientation and Training Manual

• Expressions Programming/Activities Book

Sustainability

• Created a Product/Program Manager position• Provides oversight for Expressions Program and

ongoing development and enhancements

• Bi-weekly calls to share ideas and brainstorm on challenges.

• 12 Month Focus Plan• Monthly Training Focus (Communication, Behaviors,

Sexuality)

• New activity introduced each month

The Results of Our Program

The first time I walked into Prestige at Mira Loma I felt the warmth from everyone working there and I knew this was the place for my mom. My mom resides in Expressions and I feel she loves it there. They have so many activities that involve the residents, as well as their families, and I always feel welcome. I love that I can eat with my

mom either in Expressions or the main dinning room and the food is so tasty. Friends and family who have visited her always comment

on how friendly and helpful the staff is and how nice and clean everything is. . ..I have peace of mind and feel truly comfortable

knowing my mom is getting so much care and attention from all the wonderful staff at Prestige.

The Results of Our Program

How to Develop a New Dementia Care Program

The Expressions Example

Hollie Fowler and Dina Newsom