June 28, 2024
An Engagement Plan captures significant details, events, and memories from a person’s life in a personalized narrative. It helps caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals understand and connect with an individual on a deeper level. By creating an Engagement Plan, we improve the quality of care, making it more person-centered. Personal information enhances communication, providing comfort and a sense of identity for individuals with dementia.
At Vitalia North Royalton, we believe in being proactive. We gather this information as soon as possible, even before a resident moves into our Memory Care Neighborhood. As dementia progresses, it often becomes more difficult for residents to communicate their wants, needs, and wishes. These plans, created in advance, help us meet their desires throughout their dementia journey.
An Engagement Plan is a comprehensive tool. It captures vital information to provide the best-individualized care for residents in our community. This information includes personal demographics, likes and dislikes, favorite foods, hobbies, previous occupations, physical and mental abilities, and personal preferences. It’s a complete picture of the resident, ensuring we can provide the most personalized care possible.
The Engagement Plan is essential because it gives the entire team a clear understanding of who the resident is, how to meet their personal needs, and how to identify potential triggers for behaviors. It also offers guidance on engaging and redirecting that resident, ensuring we can properly “meet them where they are.”
It’s never too early to gather information and create an Engagement Plan. Starting early allows for necessary adjustments as a person’s physical and cognitive status changes. Early planning lets you recognize and document important long-term memories and new interests. As things change, having accurate information to share improves the outcomes for the resident, family, and providers.
Start now to prepare for your future and/or the future of your loved ones. Provide detailed information about your background, history, likes, and dislikes. Include what makes you happy, sad, and fearful. Mention any special things that bring you joy and comfort. These Engagement Plans improve caregiving, aid in emotional comfort, and facilitate communication. They also enable those around you to honor your life and ensure you receive personalized and compassionate care. You can find free templates online at legacyproject.org and crisisprevention.com.
VITALIA® North Royalton in North Royalton, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Parma Hospital and Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Ridgewood Golf Course, Southpark Mall, Sleepy Hallow Golf Course, Cleveland Metro Parks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Heavily Hills Farm.
