James L West Center & Dementia Care

Overview on the Types of Professionals on Our Staff and the Training They Undergo

In the previous email, I attached a document of our organizational structure for your reference, which includes our types of professionals. As for the training, ALL staff goes through orientation (which briefs about dementia and the caregiving of those with dementia), Dementia Live (which is a Dementia simulation), and also has monthly training sessions concerning their specific department; with all of that being said, all of our employees are dementia trained (not just nursing) to ensure the best care for our residents.

Measures to Ensure the Safety and Well-Being of Our Residents

We are a fully secure unit 24/7. You must have a badge to enter the building or use the call button for our front desk to allow you in. When you enter the building, all visitors and employees must sign in with our kiosks to ensure we know who enters and exits the building. Our 3rd measure of security is that all residential living areas are located on upper levels; therefore, you must get into an elevator and enter a passcode in order to access the elevator. Lastly, we have locked doors for each "house" or unit. You must have a badge to enter and exit all of our units.

Resources or Support Services for Residents' Transition

Yes, we offer free educational programs, support groups, and require a family orientation for the resident and family's transition into our community.

Transportation Services for Residents

Transportation is the responsibility of the resident's family, although if necessary, we can recommend outside resources that we prefer and trust.

Dining Experience

For our dining services, all meals are cooked and prepared in-house in our main kitchen. We do have kitchenettes on most houses with hot plates and refrigerators to ensure food stays at the correct temperature. We have a rotating schedule of menus that are frequently changed. If your loved one does not like what is served, we have an "Always Available" menu as well. We have a Dietary Director who stays in close contact with our Nursing staff concerning any issues with eating or malnutrition. We have the ability to change food textures for each individual person.

Process for Addressing Resident Complaints or Issues

If the resident or family member has a complaint, they can go to our social worker or our DON/ADONs to address any issues. If the issues aren't resolved, the issue can be upscaled to our healthcare administrator. If necessary, they can file a grievance with our social worker.

Policy on Communication with Residents' Families

Communication is very important to our organization. We want the families to be involved in every decision made in this process. Communication will be given from all departments as necessary to the emergency contacts created, from the top down. As for the resident's well-being, we have care plans every 3 months to discuss your loved one's well-being and any changes that need to be made. These care conferences will include every department that interacts with your loved one's activities of daily living. These care conferences are every 3 months, but if you have questions or concerns, someone is always available to talk with the family. We are highly staffed 24/7 with a nurse on every house 24/7.

Pet-Friendly Policy

We do not allow animals to live on our property. If your pet is well behaved, they may be able to visit from time to time.

Availability of Covid and Flu Vaccinations

Yes, residents are able to get vaccinations within our community.

Aging in Place Policy

Due to our medical model, our residents do not age in place. Our housing model is tailored to their cognitive level. We've observed that individuals with dementia who are at similar cognitive levels complement each other well. By accommodating residents within the same cognitive level, they can communicate, interact, and live together harmoniously. With that being said, prior to admission, your loved one will be clinically evaluated and then deemed appropriate for one of our houses. As your time at James L. West goes on, your loved one will be moved as the disease progresses and their cognitive abilities change. This allows your loved one to live in peace.

Waitlist Information

Regarding the waitlist, the response is dependent on your loved one's clinical evaluation. Our housing model is tailored to their cognitive level. We've observed that individuals with dementia who are at similar cognitive levels complement each other well. By accommodating residents within the same cognitive level, they can communicate, interact, and live together cohesively. I can give you a definite answer after we receive recent clinicals on your loved one.