The Rhythms Approach to Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Our innovative, holistic Rhythms philosophy and approach to memory care centers on and adapts to each person’s natural rhythm of life.
Understanding that dementia is a “whole community” disease, we strive to offer support and education to everyone on the dementia journey, including families and communities.
Our Memory Care Principles and Beliefs
People living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia experience the world differently. Dementia is more than memory loss. We understand that because the brain controls the entire body, there are significant changes that occur with the way the body and brain function and the way in which the brain takes in information. Rhythms Dementia Services was developed to provide care that is customized and empowering for those who are experiencing these changes.
We believe that an enriching memory care or memory support community has an important role in supporting each person to safely and successfully experience a life worth living.
Innovative Programming reinforces a sense of purpose by engaging each person’s passions and abilities. We use a variety of tools and techniques (validation, music, arts, etc.) to meet and adapt to each person’s individual needs.
Compassion-Driven Approach embraces individual differences and adapts to meet personal needs. We learn each person’s natural rhythm of life and focus on their strengths rather than deficits.
Personal Connections are nurtured by emphasizing productive interactions with an effort to understand, validate and redirect. Disease shouldn’t define a human being. We know each person as a unique individual, creating an environment of growth and happiness.
Intuitive Communication helps us identify and accommodate unmet needs by respecting the use of actions, expressions and emotions for expression. We understand that the majority of distress that is experienced by people living with dementia is not due to physical disease, but due to the environment and how people interact with them.
Family & Friends Support involves family and friends as integral parts of the care partner team. Family members, as well as the person who has the disease, are “living with dementia.” We educate and support them on this journey.
Read our 8 tips for communicating with a loved one with dementia
Person-Centered Memory Support
Our memory support programming focuses on helping people live as successfully as possible with dementia so that we can personalize our approach to better serve their needs. Our care partners are trained to recognize changes in communication and they understand that their responses and interactions contribute to each person’s relationship to life at our communities.