Secure Care for Alzheimer's and Dementia
The Martha & Mary Health and Rehab Center is proud of our 68-bed unit dedicated to caring for residents suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia. This Unit offers a safe and secure quality of life. Architecturally, it has been designed to meet the specific needs of residents suffering from middle and late stage Alzheimer's Disease.
Courtyard
Courtyard is a 23-bed unit with both private and semi-private rooms that was designed for its purpose - to allow residents to wander safely within a never-ending circular hallway. Along the way they will discover an aviary, bookcases, dressers, armoires sitting and work areas to "shop", work or rest in as they please. As they pass through the dining and activity area, they might stop to have a snack or watch TV. In addition to beautiful gardens and outside courtyards, it features open, well-lighted activity and dining areas, and special bathing facilities.
Bay
Bay is a 45-bed unit with both private and semi-private rooms. In addition to beautiful gardens and outside courtyards, it features two dining rooms (both are well-lit) and a nice quiet family room that is an ideal place for simple conversation in addition to hosting special family events.
There is special Activity programming and Spiritual Ministry services just for both Courtyard and Bay residents. While they enjoy the same signature programs (i.e., kids, horticulture, bus outings, etc.) that residents throughout Martha & Mary enjoy, we do try to avoid "extra traffic" as it can become distracting and agitating for some of our residents.
Please contact our Admissions Coordinator at (360) 779-7500 if you would like more information about the secure care we offer on our Secure Alzheimer's and Dementia Unit.
Alzheimer's Support Groups
As part of Martha & Mary's commitment to serving the community, the facility sponsors an on-going Alzheimer's Support Group under the auspices of the Alzheimer's Association. The support group meets the second Tuesday of the month from 1:30-3:00pm. Group members may have a loved one in a facility or at home, but they all share the trials and tribulations of being caregivers for someone with dementia. The wealth of experience and understanding that each person brings to the group is invaluable to the group as a whole. For additional information, please contact the Alzheimer's Association at 1 (800) 848-7097.
Martha & Mary Health Services also provides space for a 10-week Early Stage Memory Loss group sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. This group provides information regarding Alzheimer's, latest research, community resources, and support for people diagnosed with memory loss and their caregivers/family members. This group meets once a year in North Kitsap County and once a year in South Kitsap County. For additional information, please contact the Alzheimer's Association 1 (800) 848-7097.
Gentle Care
The philosophy behind our Alzheimer's and dementia care program is based upon the Gentle Care Concept. Gentle Care is a program designed to improve the quality of life for those persons with Alzheimer's and dementia by supporting them rather than challenging them. It's important that family and friends of loved ones staying with us understand and embrace this philosophy so that that they can effectively work together with our staff to enhance the quality of life of their loved one.
While science has not found a cure for Alzheimer's or dementia yet, we have found that Gentle Care, when embraced by everyone involved, can enhance the quality of life in the days and months that remain for the resident even though their disease is progressing.
The philosophy behind the Gentle Care Concept is simply a commitment to believe in and embrace the following values:
| • |
Elderly people have value and Alzheimer's Disease and/or dementia do not decrease the value of that person. |
| • |
No one should be ashamed or embarrassed by the actions of someone suffering from Alzheimer's and/or dementia because we need to acknowledge that the individual has limited resources in controlling or directing their behavior. |
| • |
It's best for the individual to have as much independence as possible because independence is better than dependence. |
| • |
It's not reasonable to expect the individual to change, but care providers can change their behavior to be effective in helping the person feel valued. |
Please feel free to contact some of our key staff on the Alzheimer's Unit at Martha & Mary to learn more about our
Gentle Care Approach.
