Morrow Memorial Home and Apartments

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2008 Spring Messenger

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Dementia Household

The “Olive Branch”
Special Care Household
Serving People with Alzheimer's or related dementia needs.
A ministry of
Morrow Memorial Home

WHY A SPECIAL CARE HOUSEHOLD?
Special Care Households are designed specifically for the dementia resident. Dementia trained caregivers provide care in a home-like setting where excessive stimulation is limited. Daily activities focus on residents’ strengths to promote their quality of life. In addition, family support and education are available to help families cope with their loved one’s disease.

THE OLIVE BRANCH
Noah sent out a dove to
find safe ground.
So she returned with what
she had found.

An Olive Branch dropped
into his hand.
It was then he knew
that there was land.

Hope and Peace filled
his heart,
as Fear and Worry
did depart.

The Olive Branch is a sign,
that Hope and Peace
can be mine.

So we now proclaim
in His name so bold,

The “Olive Branch” Special Care Household.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Our household is named after Mary Morrow’s mother - Olive. Also, in Genesis 8:11 the dove carrying the olive branch symbolized to Noah that land was near and that his family and all the animals in the ark would be safe. Hope and peace were assured. We strive to give hope and peace to all who enter our special care household.

CAREGIVERS
Staff are specially chosen and assessed for their ability to work with individuals diagnosed with dementia. Characteristics of our dementia household caregivers include:
† knowledge of dementia,
† patience,
† sense of humor,
† calming voice,
† flexibility,
† common sense,
† spontaneity,
† non-judgmental. and
† initiative.

Many staff who serve in our household are trained Dementia Specialists and attend regular education on dementia. Training areas include:
† defining dementia,
† understanding the physical and psycho-social needs of the dementia resident,
† validation therapy,
† proper communication with the dementia resident,
† dealing with difficult behaviors,
† stress management, and
† dementia specific therapeutic recreational activities.

ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE
Residents are assessed on their ability to function in a special care household. In addition to safety, environment, and programming needs, we assess:

† the ability to participate in activities including restorative activities, and
† be able to sit up in a wheelchair or chair for events.

An assessment is completed on all prospective residents. Periodically the appropriateness of resident placement is reviewed. As the disease progresses, and if a resident no longer meets the placement criteria, the resident will be moved to another area within our Home. Families/residents will be informed of the household discharge with ample time to prepare to move. They will be given the opportunity to assist in choosing the resident’s new accommodation.

For further information or a personal tour, please call our Home at
(608) 269-3168, or contact our Social Services Department at karch@morrowhome.org.

Thank you for your consideration.