Argentum Executive Memory Care Peer Group Readies New Research on Innovation

MatrixCare-sponsored project focuses on transformational and other
practices in memory care from around the globe

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Argentum’s Memory Care Executive Peer Group with the support of
MatrixCare has commissioned a new project to recognize innovations
improving resident care and quality of life for assisted living
residents with dementia in five key areas: Environmental Design,
Programming, Dining and Nutrition, Education and Training, and
Technology.

“MatrixCare is proud to collaborate with the Argentum Executive Memory
Care Peer Group to support the development of cutting-edge education and
research programming focused on improving the quality of life for
residents served by memory care programs,” said MatrixCare Chief
Clinical Officer Denise Wassenaar. “We look forward to sharing these
memory care innovations and creating toolkits to help providers
implement them in their memory care programs.”

The memory care roundtable met to discuss and rate 50 nominated
innovations, reviewing whether the nomination offered incremental,
breakthrough or transformational ideas for memory care in senior living.
Argentum Executive Peer Groups are made up of industry peers who gather
together for solutions-focused discussions.

“We’re always seeking memory care innovations from the industry – some
unique and different as well as recognizing those that are more
traditional,” said Memory Care Executive Peer Group Chairman Maria
Nadelstumph, who also serves as Brandywine Living’s vice president of
organizational development and program excellence. “We looked at
programs both nationally and internationally to identify innovation
relatable to our industry. Our roundtable has a goal to bring a higher
level of learning to Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference and
beyond.”

The final results of the project will be released later this year, but
highlights of peer-reviewed winners include:

Breakthrough

Art Gallery in a Wandering Path – A permanent art gallery has
been created as an integral part of the Margherita day center for
Alzheimer’s disease in Fano, Italy. It is open to the center’s users and
to the public, promoting integration between the center, its users and
the city.

Life’s a Stage – The Scripted IMPROV Project developed by
Hearthstone is an interactive, semi-scripted improvisational theater
designed to be engaging and interesting to persons living with dementia
and is tied to a research study exploring outcomes related to
non-pharmacological interventions.

Transformational

Reflections: The Nasher Museum Alzheimer’s Program provides
engaging and interactive museum tours with visitors who live with memory
loss, and also their families and care partners. Reflections tours
include guided discussions throughout the galleries as well as musical
performances and hands-on arts experiences.

Intergenerational Living: In Deventer, The Netherlands,
university students pay no rent in exchange for spending 30 hours of
quality time a month with their 160 older housemates. Strong bonds have
formed.

Art Based Tablet Application is an arts app for persons with
dementia and their care partners to use together multiple times a week
resulting in a boost in well-being following art sessions each day.

Incremental

Technology Libraries: It began as the first library in the United
Kingdom allowing people with memory impairments to try out technology
products at home before individuals commit to buying a certain tool or
resource for themselves or their families.

Dialogue Project: This Alzheimer’s Resource Center project works
to nurture relationships, collaboration and teamwork throughout
neighborhood teams.

About Argentum

Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, accessibility,
independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults.
Argentum’s programs promote business and operational excellence designed
to foster innovation and entrepreneurism in the field of senior living.
Visit Argentum’s website at www.argentum.org.

About MatrixCare

MatrixCare solutions have powered the long-term care continuum for over
30 years. With the recent acquisition of AOD Software, MatrixCare is now
the largest LTPAC technology provider and the first to offer a true full
spectrum solution. Used in more than 11,000 facility-based care settings
and 1,400 home care and home health agencies, MatrixCare’s solutions
help skilled nursing and senior living providers, continuing care
retirement communities, and home health organizations to prosper as they
migrate to a fee-for-value healthcare system.

Contacts

Argentum
Sharon Cohen, Editor
scohen@argentum.org