Two Certified Dementia Practitioners Lead the Team to Support Residents at The Hearth
April 29, 2024
The Hearth at Drexel provides a uniquely nurturing environment for seniors with dementia due to the resident-centered care they receive. Loved ones are empowered to live their best lives every day with the compassionate support they receive in this concierge Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Bala Cynwyd, PA.
At The Hearth, the training and expertise of two Certified Dementia Practitioners, Dana Guyton, CDP, Executive Director of The Hearth, and Kylie Hood, CDP, Director of Sales and Marketing, inform the community and facilitate your loved one’s daily experience.
According to Dana, “My training as a Certified Dementia Practitioner provides perspective which allows me to see our community through the eyes of our residents with dementia. This perspective guides how we care for, support, provide social engagement, offer dining experiences, and design the living environment, as well as it informs who we invite to join our care team.”
Currently, the preferred approach at The Hearth is to offer person-centered care for anyone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease rather than an approach from the past that would have been characterized as caregiver focused. Rather than trying to make the person experiencing memory issues conform to the caregiver’s environment, it is preferable to make the environment better suited to the person’s needs.
Kylie explains, “From the moment they enter the Admissions process- starting with the first phone call, to a tour and move-in, families discover why we are the experts in dementia care at The Hearth at Drexel.
“By showing how we provide assistance with activities of daily living; offering dining options, and creating a richly engaging community life, we offer greater insight into how a resident will integrate into living at The Hearth.
“A personalized assessment with the Director of Nursing, and with Dana allows us to connect with a potential resident and his or her family to talk through supportive care with our household team members and to discuss what they can expect each day.
“Dana shares educational articles and references to continue providing top-notch dementia support to our team. Our Director of Spiritual Care, Ghislaine Cotnoir, also known as “Pastor G ”, holds a monthly Zoom support group for our residents’ families.”
When asked what best illustrates the experience of a loved one living at The Hearth, Kylie says, “My favorite days are move-in days when one can see the caregiver’s relief, as their special person is welcomed down the red carpet to their next chapter of aging with a whole new level of grace.”
For more information about Assisted Living and Memory Care at The Hearth at Drexel, Click Here